GBN
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
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GENEALOGY
H6S9E
HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS
OP THE
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND
AND
BIOGEAPHICAL NOTICES
OF EMINENT
PRESBYTEEIAN MINISTEES AND LAYMEN.
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HISTORY
OP
CONGREGATIONS
OF THE
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND
AND
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES
OF EMINENT
PRESBYTERIAN MINISTERS AND LAYMEN.
WITH INTRODUCTION AND NOTES
BY THE
EEV. W. D. KILLBN, D.D.,
PBOFESSOB OP ECCLESIASTICAL HISIOBr,
QEKKBAL ASSBMBLX'S COLLEQB, BBLFAST.
ILLUSTSATED WITH PORTRAITS OF
THE REV. HENRY COOKE, D.D., LL.D. J REV. J. S. REID, D.D. ;
AND REV. W. D. KILLEN, D.D.
WITH THE SIGNIFICATION OF NAMES OP PLACES.
BELFAST: JAMES CLEELAND.
EDINBURGH: JAMES GEMMELL.
1886.
BELFAST:
PRINTED BY HUGH ADAIR, ARTHUR STREET.
CONTENTS.
Introduction,
1-9
HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.
Aghadowev ...
Ahoghill ist
Anaghlone 1st
Anaglilone 2nd
Anahilt
Antrim 1st .
Ardglass
Ardstraw 1st
Armagh 1st .
Armagh 3rd .
Armoy
Athlone
Aughnacloy .
Badoney
Bailieborough
Ballacolla
Ballina
Ballinderry ..
Ballindreat . .
Ballinglen
Baliybay 1st ..
Ballybay 2ud
Bally carry . .
Bally castle ..
Ballyclare
Bally easton Is
Ballygawley,..
Ballygowan, ..
Ballygrainey,
Ballyjamesduff
Ballykelly, ,
Ballylennon,
Ballymena 1st,
1st
Page
11
12
13
13
14
15
18
19
20
22
22
23
23
24
25
26
245
27
28
246
29
30
30
32
32
33
34
35
35
36
37
38
39
Pago
Ballymena 2nd or High Kirk, 40
Ballymena, West Church, 41
Ballymena, Wellington St., 42
Ballymoate, ... ... 43-247
Ballymoney 1st, ... 43
Ballynahinch 1st, ... 45
Ballynahinch — Spa ... 229
Bally nure, ... ... 46
Ballyrashane 1st, ... 48
Ballyroney, ... ... 49
Ballyshannon, ... 50
Bally waiter 1st, ... 50
Bally waiter 2na, ... 51
Bally willan, ... ... 52
Balteagh, ... ... 53
Banagher, ... ... 53
Banbridge 1st, ... 54
Bangor 1st, ... ... 55
Bangor 2nd, ... ... 56
Ballymacarrett Ist ... 57
Belfast - Donegall Street 57
Belfast— Fisherwick Place 58
Belfast — Fitzroy Avenue 59
Belfast -May Street ... 60
Belfast — Rosemary Street 61
Belfast— Townsend Street 6i
Belfast— York Street ... 65
Belturbet ... ... 66
Benburb ... ... C6
Billy or Bushmills ... 68
Boardniills ... ... 69
Boveva ... ••• 69
Boyle 248
Hrigh ... ... 70
VI.
Broughshane Ist
Buckna
Burt
Bushmills or Billy
Cairncastle ...
Car Ian
Carlingford ...
Carlow
Carndonagh ...
Carnmoney ...
Carntall or Clogher .
Carrickfergus 1st
Castlebar,
Castleblayney
Castled awson
Castlederg 1st
Castlereagh ...
Cavan
Cavaualeck ...
Clare
Cloglier
Clogher or Carntall ..
Clonmel
Clontibret 1st
Clough, Co. Antrim ..
Clough, Co. Down
Clougherney,..
Coagh
Coleraine 1st...
Coleraine 2nd
Comber 1st ...
Comber 2nd ...
Conlig
Connor
Convoy
Cookstown 1st
Cootehill
Corboy and Tully
Cork — Trinity Churclx
Corlea
Creggan
Creevelea
Croaglunore ...
Crumlin
Cullybackey ...
Cumber, Co. Derry
Cushenduu ...
Page
Page
70
Dervock
111
72
Donaghadee 1st
111
73
Donaghadee 2nd
113
68
Donagheady 1st
113
Donagheady 2nd
114
74
Donegal
114
75
Donegall Street
57
76
Donegore 1st
115
77
Donoughmore, Co. Down
117
78
Donougbmore, Co. Donega'
1!8
78
Douglass
119
89
Downpatrick
119
80
Drogheda
120
248
Dromara 1st ...
121
84
Dromore 1st ...
122
85
Dromore West,
250
86
Drum 1st
123
87
Drumachose ...
124
87
Drumbanaglier 1st
125
88
Drumbo
126
89
DrumloLigh ...
127
249
Drumquin ...
127
89
Dublin — Mary's Abbey
128
90
Dublin — Usher's Quay
130
91
Dunboe
132
92
Dundalk
132
93
Dundonald ...
134
94
Dundrod
135
94
Dunean
135
95
Dunfanaghy ...
136
97
Dungannon 1st
137
97
Dunluce
138
99
Dunmurry ...
139
99
99
Enniskillen ...
140
102
Ervey
142
103
104
Fahan
143
11)4
Faunet
144
106
Faughanvale
144
106
Fintona
145
107
Finvoy
146
249
Fisher wick Place,
58
108
Fitzroy Avenue,
69
1C8
109
Galway
146
109
Garvagh Ist ...
147
110
Glastry
148
Vll.
Glenarm
Page
149
Maghera
Page
188
Glendermot 1st
15]
Magherafelt 1st
190
Glendermot 2nd
152
Magherally ...
191
Glennan
153
Magilligan ...
192
Glenwherry ...
154
Maguiresbridge
192
Grange
155
Malin
192
Greyabbey ...
166
Marketbill 1st
193
Groomsport ...
158
May Street, ...
60
Milford
194
High Kirk or 2nd Ballymena 40
Millisle
194
Hillsborough
158
Minterburn ...
195
Hilltown
159
Moira
196
Hollymount
250
Monaghan 1st
198
Holy wood 1st
159
Moneymore 1st
198
Monreagh, ...
200
Inch
161
Mountmellick
201
Islandmagee 1st
161
Mountjoy
203
Mourne
203
Keady 1st ...
163
Moville
204
Keady 2nd ...
163
Mullingar
205
Killala,
251
Mary's Abbey
128
KiUead
164
Killeshandra...
165
Newport
252
Killeter
166
Newry 1st ...
206
Killinchv
167
NewtoAVTiards 1st
207
Killyleagh 1st
168
Newtownards 2nd
208
Kilmore
169
Newtowncrommelin ...
209
Kiiraughts 1st
170
Newtownhamilton
210
Kilrea 1st
171
Newtownstewart 1st ...
210
Kingstown ...
173
Kirkcubbin ...
173
Omagh 1st ...
211
Knowhead ...
174
Omagh 2nd ...
211
Ormond Quay
130
Lame 1st
174
Orritor
212
Letterkenny 1st
176
Limavady 2nd
176
Pettigo
212
Limerick
177
Portadown 1st
213
Lisburn 1st ...
178
Portaferry ...
214
Lislooney
180
Portglenone 1st
217
Lissara
181
Portrush
217
Londonderry 1st
181
Londonderry 3rd
184
Eamelton 1st...
220
Longford
184
Ramoan
221
Loughbrickland
184
Randal stown 1st
221
Loughgall
185
Raphoe 1st ...
224
Lurgan 1st ...
186
Rathfriland 1st
225
Ray 1st
225
Macosquin ...
187
Richhill
227
VIU.
Page
Page
Rosemary Street
61
Tobermore . . .
236
Rutland Square
128
Town send Street
64
Saintfield 1st
227
Trinity
106
Scriggan
228
Tullamore . . .
237
Sion and Urney
240
Tullv and Corboy
104
Sligo
252
Tullylish ...
239
Spa — Ballynaliinch
229
Turlougli
253
Stewartstown 1st
230
Urney and Sion
240
St. Johnstone
230
Usher's Quay
130
Stonebridge ...
231
"Wellington Street
42
Strabane 1st...
232
Westport
254
Stranorlar 1st
233
West Church
41
Tandragee ...
234
York Street ...
65
Templepatrick
235
BIOGEAPHICAL NOTICES.
Page
The Fathers of the Irish Presbyterian Church ...
256
Walter Travers
257
Rev. Samuel Hanna, D.D.
258
Rev. James Seaton Reid, D.D.
260
Rev. James Carlile, D.D.
262
Rev. John Edgar, D.D., L.L.D.
263
Rev. James Morgan, D.D.
264
Rev. Henry Cooke, D.D., LL.D.
266
William Kirk, Esq. ...
271
John Getty, Esq.
272
James Kennedy, Esq., J. P.
273
William M'Comb, Esq.
274
Rev. William M'Clure,
276
S. Hamilton Rowan, Esq.
276
William Todd, Esq. ...
278
Miss Hamilton
279
John Sinclair, Esq. ...
279
Rev. John Thomson ...
280
Rev. Henry Jackson Dobbin, D.D.
283
John Young, Esq.
284
Signification of Names of Places
288
INTEODUCTIOK
HE greater part of the information contained in
the work now presented to the public, was col-
lected by the Eev. J. S. Eeid, D.D., before his
appointment as Professor of Ecclesiastical and
Civil History in the University of Glasgow. For the twentv
years preceding, his attention had been specially directed
to the rise and progress of the Presbyterian Church in
Ireland ; and he had enjoyed special facilities for becomino-
acquainted with its condition. He had travelled throuo-h
most parts of our ISTorthern Province ; had gathered up the
traditions of the Presbyterian inhabitants ; had carefully
examined the manuscript records of the Synod of Ulster ;
and had noted down, in a little volume which he usually
carried about with him, every important fact or date which
helped to guide him in his investigations. Shortly after his
decease, I undertook, at the request of his executors, to
complete his unfinished History ; and this manuscript book
was put into my hands to assist me in the work. I found
that it contained a brief account of the congregations of the
Synod of Ulster, arranged in alj)habetical order ; and as, for
many reasons, it appeared very undesirable that the rare
knowledge it supplied should be lost to the public, I sug-
gested to the proprietor of M'Comb's Pkesbyteeian Almanac
that he should permit me to introduce some extracts from it,
year after year, into his well-known annual. He adopted the
advice ; and thus it has been that for upwards of thirty years
past these notices have been continued in that publication.
They are now collected together ; and, with not a few addi-
tions, are to be found in the present volume.
To many readers the following pages, — consisting, to a
great extent, of dates and names, — may have a rather
2 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.
uninviting aspect; but, to thousands and tens of thousands
in this and otlier lands, they cannot be altogether -without
interest. The inscription on a tombstone generally furnishes
very scanty information relating to the dead ; and yet, at the
distance of a century or more, it is perused with avidity by
heirs or descendants. The departed ministers of the Presby-
terian Church in Ireland have miiltitudes of living represen-
tatives scattered all over the world ; and, to these, this work
will supply some statistical details relating to their ancestors
which they must seek for in vain elsewhere. Nor to readers
of another class can it be altogether devoid of value. It
incidentally throws light on the state of society at different
periods during the last two hundred and seventy years ; and
illustrates in various ways the progress of the country.
The Presbyterian Church in Ireland has had a somewhat
strange and eventful history. It was planted in Ulster early
in the seventeenth century by immigi*ants from Scotland,
who hoped to have here a greater amount of religious freedom
than they were permitted to enjoy at home. For a time
their pastors were suffered to exercise their ministry without
disturbance ; and a signal blessing rested on their labours :
but the hand of High Church intolerance was soon put forth
to interfere with their operations; they were ejected from the
parish churches in which they had heretofore officiated ; and
were otherwise exposed to grievous persecution. The Black
Oath — pledging them to obey all the royal commands — no
matter how wicked or unreasonable — was next required from
all the Scotch settlers ; and when they refused to comply with
this unrighteous demand, they were fined and imprisoned.
But He who can bring light out of darkness overruled these
oppressive meastires for their good. The Presbyterian
ministers and people, thus driven out of the country, escaped
to a large extent the Irish massacre of 1641, in which so
many thousands of the Protestant inhabitants perished. A
Scottish army soon afterwards arrived in the north to quell
the insurrection of the Romanists ; and, under its auspices,
on the 10th of June, 1642, the first Irish Presbytery was
constituted at Carrickfergus. Congregations were established
almost immediately afterwards in various parts of Down and
Antrim ; and, ever since, the Presbyterian Church has main-
tained a firm footing in the Province of Ulster. The Solemn
League and Covenant — adopted in 1643 by the English
Parliament and the Assembly of Divines at Westminster —
INTKODUCTION. 3
was entered into with enthusiasm by the Scottish settlers in
Ireland ; and at the same time a considerable number of the
Episcopal clergy in the north joined the Presbyterian
standard. Presbyterianism was now rapidly developed in
the country ; fresh immigrants arrived from Scotland and
England ; and the Reformed faith spread its influence to the
•utmost bounds of the Northern Province.
On the accession of Oliver Cromwell to supreme power, the
Presbyterian ministers in Ireland were involved in trouble ;
for they gave deadly offence to the Eepublicans by protesting
against the execution of Charles I., and by refusing to take
the Engagement binding them to the support of the new
government. When, however, the Protector saw that they
were men not disposed to create political disturbance, and
bent mainly on the spiritual enlightenment of the people, he
changed his policy, and gave them considerable encourage-
ment. Presbyterianism meanwhile made steady progress for
several years, so that, at the period of the Restoration, its
adherents in Ulster were computed to amount to one hundred
thousand. But dark days now awaited it. The ministers
were exposed to a fresh proscription when the Protestant
bishops, who had meanwhile been in exile, were restored to
power.
During the twenty-eight years intervening between the
Restoration and the Revolution, the Irish Presbyterian
Church was almost uninterruptedly in the furnace. Its
ministers were often obliged to preach to their people under
cover of the darkness of the night ; they were again and
again thrown into confinement ; they celebrated their ordina-
tions in places of concealment ; and, if they ventured to
dispense the Lord's Supper, they were liable, on conviction
in each case, to a fine of one hundred pounds. Strange as it
may appear, they obtained, during this dreary interval, their
first grant of Recjium Donum. It was given in 1672, and
amounted only to d£600 per annum. It seems to have been
due, as much to the fears, as to the gratitude of Charles II.
He knew, indeed, that the Presbyterians had contributed
efiiciently to bring about the Restoration ; and he admitted
the hardship of their being obliged to suffer, first for him,
and then under him ; but, had he not dreaded the machina-
tions of the disaffected Cromwellians who were still in
Ireland, and had he not expected that the grant would help
to keep the Presbyterians from joiniug with these exasperated
4 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.
enemies, it may be cToubted wliethei' he ever would have
thought of bestowing on them the Royal Bounty. It was
paid very irregularly; and, when his brother, James II.,
succeeded to the throne, it ceased altogether.
The Revolution of 1688 was like life from the dead to the
Irish Presbyterians. They hailed with delight the arrival
of their Dutch Deliverer in England ; and, mainly through
their instrumentality, the city of Derry brought its memor-
able siege to a triumphant termination. The new monarch
was well aware that they were almost the only reliable
friends he had in this country ; and, a few days before the
battle of the Boyne, he testified his appreciation of their
support by bestowing on their ministers a grant of d£l,200
per annum. But, notwithstanding this token of royal
favour, they were still left to struggle under various legal
disabilities. The members of the Irish Legislature were,
with a very few exceptions, High Churchmen ; and even the
influence of the King could not induce them to concede to
their non-conforming fellow- subjects the indulgence of an
Act of Toleration. The war of the Revolution had well-nigh
depopulated not a few districts of the country ; many farms
in Ulster had become vacant ; and Scotchmen, tempted by
the prospect of cheap rents and a fertile soil, had, in a few
years, vastly augmented the Presbyterian population. Prelacy
had just at this time been overthrown in North Britain ; and
its friends began to entertain fears that it was destined to
share a similar fate in this country. Hence it was that
Presbyterianism was viewed with so much jealousy in high
places throughout the whole reign of William III. The
Episcopal clergy felt very uncomfortable as they contemplated
its progress. As a body they stood low in ministerial
character ; many of them had continued to pray publicly for
the success of James II. until they found that they could no
longer with safety proclaim theii attachment to his dynasty ;
they had little of the zeal, and they could not emulate the
ability of the ministers of the Presbyterian Church ; and
they resisted most vehemently every attempt to improve the
political position of their dreaded rivals.
When the grave closed on King William, the Irish Presby-
terians were made to feel that they had lost a friend. He had
been unable to induce the Irish Parliament to relieve them
from the pressure of the jienal laws ; but, when they were
harassed for non-conformity, he had kindly interposed, and
INTRODUCTION. 5
quashed the lirosecution. They experienced very different
treatment in the reign of Queen Anne. Their disabilities
were then increased ; and had it not been for the rather
unexpected death of that weak-minded Princess, they would
have been deprived of almost the last vestige of religious
freedom. The Test Act, passed soon after she ascended the
throne, excluded them from all offices of trust and emolu-
ment under the Crown, whether civil or military; and by
this most nefarious piece of legislation, some of the very
men who had so nobly defended Derry Avere driven out of
the corporation of the Maiden City, and marked with a
brand of social degradation. Before the close of her reign
the doors of some of their meeting-houses were nailed up,
and the Recjium Donum withdrawn. On the accession of
George I. the grant was restored; and soon afterwards a
considerable addition was made to it. In 1719 they at
length obtained an Act of Toleration ; but at this time their
numbers began to be much thinned by emigration. Many
of the leases given, on very moderate terms, about the close
of the wars of the Revolution, then expired ; and the farmers,
discouraged by the demand of doubled or tripled rents,
crossed the Atlantic in large numbers, and settled in the
Western world. It is said that in 1729 six thousand Irish
— almost all of whom were Presbyterians — removed there.
Before the middle of the century twelve thousand persons of
the same class arrived annually on the Western shores.
When we consider that this emigration has been going on
constantly, and sometimes to a far greater extent, for
upwards of one hundred and fifty years, we may well wonder
that Irish Presbyterianism holds its present position in the
national census. It has been computed that its children now
in the great Western Republic amount to about two millions.
Had it not been for this prodigious drain of emigration,
Presbyterians would at this day constitute an overwhelming
majority of our Irish Protestant population.
In the reign of George I. a calamity of a far more serious
character sadly weakened the Irish Presbyterian Church.
At that time some of its leading ministers began to plead
for relief from subscription to its recognised creed — the
Westminster Confession of Faith. They did not openly
attack its doctrines — though they were suspected of a leaning
to a more lax theology — but they maintained that all such
formularies were unauthorised as tests of orthodoxy; and
6 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.
they argued with so much plausibility that they secured the
adherence of a number of the more influential laity. The
controversy, which was carried on for several years with
much bitterness, terminated in 1726 in a separation. The
majority, forming by far the greater portion of the Synod
of Ulster, persisted in requiring subscription to the West-
minster Confession from candidates for the ministry ; and
the minority, who were known as Non-Suhscrihers, formed
themselves into what was called the Presbytery of Antrim.
This schism greatly impaired the strength and reputation of
the whole Presbyterian body. Several members of the Synod
of Ulster, who did not join with the Separatists, were under-
stood to sympathise with them ; and from this period till the
end of the century a section of its ministers, designated the
New Light party, and preaching a diluted Arminianism, if
not something worse, occupied not a few of its pulpits, and
conti-olled its deliberations. The Synod thus lost much of
its prestige as an evangelical denomination.
When the controversy between the Subscribers and Non-
Subscribers was agitating the North of Ireland, the Church
of Scotland was disturbed by disputes relative to ecclesias-
tical patronage. In the end the Erskines and a few other
ministers withdrew from its pale ; and in 1739 formed a new
organization, which assumed the name of the Associate
Presbytery. The Seceding preachers soon found their way
into Ireland ; and as the more pious portion of the Presby-
terian laity in this country had little confidence in the New
Light ministers, these new evangelists were cordially received
here, and quickly succeeded in collecting congregations.
The first Irish Seceding minister was ordained at Lyle Hill,
near Temj^lepatrick, in the County of Antrim, on the 9th of
July, 1746. Within fifteen years afterwards no less than
three Seceding Presbyteries were constituted in the Noi'th of
Ireland ; and in 1784 their ministers received from Grovern-
ment an endowment of =£500 per annum. In the forty-six
years, between 1746 and 1792, they erected in the north
forty-six congregations and ordained forty-six ministers. In
the next seventeen years they increased still more rapidly,
for in 1809 their pastors amounted to ninety-one, having been
nearly doubled during this short interval.
The last twenty-five years of the eighteenth century
witnessed the rapid advance of the Irish Presbyterians in
political importance. When the settlers in North America
INTRODUCTION. 7
set up tlie standard of independence, so many troops were
sent there that most parts of Ireland were left almost
destitute of military protection ; and when Fi-ance declared
on the side of the revolted colonies, her ships of war appeai-ed
in the British Seas and threatened a descent on the coasts of
Ulster. The people in Down, Antrim, and other counties,
obliged, in consequence, to take measures for their own
defence, formed military organizations in their respective
districts, and accustomed themselves to martial exercises.
These Volunteers soon combined ; appeared together in
thousands at reviews ; and presented the appearance of a large
and well-equipped army. At their great meetings they dis-
cussed the politics of the day, passed resolutions, adopted
petitions to the legislature, and proclaimed their determina-
tion to exert their united strength in struggling for the
removal of existing grievances. As the Presbyterians in the
north constituted the bulk of the Volunteers, they wielded
for the time being a preponderating influence ; and Grovern-
ment soon saw the expediency of lending a favourable ear to
their representations. Thus it was that several disabilities
under which they had long laboured were quickly removed.
In 1780 the Test Act was repealed. In 1782 an Act was
passed declaring the validity of all marriages celebrated
among Presbyterians by ministers of their own denomination ;
and in the same year another Act permitted Seceders to
swear by lifting up the right hand, instead of kissing the
book. Other favours soon followed. In 1784 one thousand
pounds per annum were added to the Regiiim Domim of the
Synod of Ulster ; and in 1792 an additional augmentation
of d£5,000 per '>nnum was granted.
Whilst the ministers and people of the Synod of Ulster
were obtaining relief from their political disabilities, they
were otherwise exhibiting few indications of improvement.
Por the twenty years preceding 1789 not one new congrega-
tion was erected ; and much the same state of things
continued for the twenty years following. Little regard was
paid to the sanctification of the Lord's Day; intemperance
abounded ; family worship was neglected ; error in various
forms raised its head ; and infidelity made not a few
proselytes. But the awful scenes connected with the
rebellion of 1798 helped to awaken a sleeping Church.
From that date we may trace the development of a more
religious spirit among both ministers and people. Evangelical
O HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.
preachers appeared in greater numbers ; decayed meeting-
houses began to be repaired or rebuilt ; increased attention
was given to the education of candidates for the sacred
office ; and arrangements were made for the more faithful
administration of ecclesiastical discipline. At length the
New Light party in the Synod found themselves so encircled
by a network of regulations for the conservation of orthodoxy,
that they saw they must be prepared either to leave the
body or to submit to certain extinction. In 1829 they
accordingly withdrew from it, constituted themselves into a
new society, and adopted the title of Remonstrants. Their
separation prepared the way for a junction between the
Ulster Synod and the Seceders. The union was consummated
in 1840, when the ministers and people thus incorporated
assumed the designation of " The General Assembly of the
Presbyterian Church in Ireland." The Synod of Ulster
contributed 292 congregations to the United Church, and
the Seceding Synod gave 141 — thus making up a total of
433. Since that period the congregations have continued to
increase ; and at present (1886) they amount to 553.
In the early part of this century a new arrangement was
made in reference to the Begmm Bommi. It had before been
generally distributed, share and share alike, among the
ministers, so that, as their numbers multiplied, the portion
of each diminished. With all the augmentations made since
the days of William III., the share of each recipient of the
Synod of Ulster in 1800 little exceeded =£30 per annum.
But shortly after the Union between Great Britain and
Ireland the grant was increased to considerably above
.£14,000 per annum, and the ministers were divided into
three classes — the first class receiving ^6100 per annum, the
second ^£75, and the third ,£50. In 1809 the Seceders also
obtained an enlarged grant of Royal Bounty, and the
recipients were arranged in three divisions: but they were
dealt with according to a lower rate of j)ayment — the first
class receiving .£70 per annum, the second =£50, and the
third c£40. In 1838 this system of classification was aban-
doned ; and Government agreed, on certain conditions, to
grant <£75 per annum, late Irish currency, to every minister
connected with the Synod of Ulster and the Secession Synod.
This endowment added very considerably to the amount paid
out of the Imperial Treasury ; but it was exceedingly satis-
factory to the two Synods, as the unequal payments under
INTRODtrCTION, 9
the nale of classification had ever since the time of its
introduction been the sul)ject of complaint and remonstrance.
The money was annually voted by Parliament, and the
erection of every new congregation involved an enlargement
of the allowance. In 1868, when the grant was about to be
discontinued, the portion of it paid to the ministers of the
General Assembly had grown to about d83 7,000 per annum.
In March, 1868, Mr. Gladstone moved, in his place in
Parliament, a series of resolutions to the effect that the Irish
Protestant Ej^iscopal Establishment should cease — that the
endowment of the Roman Catholic College of Maynooth
should be discontinued — and that the Begium Bonum should
be withdrawn — full compensation being made for the life
interests of the existing beneficiaries. These resolutions
were adopted by a large majority of the Commons, and a
Bill — known as the Suspensory Bill — was introduced to
legalise them ; but though the proposal was readily adopted
by the Lower House of Legislation, it was negatived by the
Lords. A dissolution of Parliament followed. Mr. Gladstone
was sustained in the new house by an increased majority of
supporters — and in the end the Disestablishment Bill became
the law of the land.
The period of Disestablishment was an anxious time with
all interested in the prosperity of the Presbyterian Church
of Ireland. Some feared that it could not well survive the
crisis of the withdrawal of the Regium Domim. But its
doctrines and polity are very dear to thousands and tens of
thousands of those connected with its communion ; and it
soon appeared that its friends were prepared to meet the
emergency. With very few exceptions its ministers com-
muted their life incomes in the interest of the Church ; and
in this way a capital fund of upwards of d£580,000 was at once
created. A Sustentation Fund — now amounting to about
d£25,000 per annum — was also commenced ; and thus, not-
withstanding the depression of the mercantile and agricul-
tural interests for some years past, the ministerial income
has not suffered. At a great public meeting, held in Linen
Hall Street Church, Belfast, on the 29th of September, 1869,
John Lytle, Esq., J.P., in the chair, the representatives of
the laity pledged themselves to do their utmost to raise a
Sustentation Fund of not less than ^£30,000 per annum, with
a view to make up the income of all participators in the
Sustentation Fund and their successors to at least d8100 per
10 ■ HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.
annum independent of congregational payments. The
Sustentation Fund has not yet received the support of a
considerable section of the Presbyterian laity : and the
"unfavourable circumstances of farmers and traders have
hitherto interfered with the accomplishment of these good
intentions ; but it is to be hoped that in a short time the
sum aimed at by the Belfast meeting will be fully idealised.
The manuscript volume — most parts of which have been
transferred to the following pages — was left behind him by
the writer in a state evidently not designed for publication ;
and it is quite possible that the critical reader may be able to
detect some slight errors in dates or the spelling of names ;
but Dr. Reid was remarkable for the accuracy with which he
noted down all things of historical value ; and I believe that
if any mistakes have been committed, they will be found to
be but few and unimportant. It may be that some of them
are to be attributed, rather to the editor, than the author.
The ministerial succession in the several congregations are
brought down to the present time ; and as upwards of thirty
years have now passed away since the last entry was made in
Dr. Reid's book, I must be held accountable for these recent
additions. In all such cases I have taken the dates and
names from the Minutes of the General Assembly.
Appended to the history of congi'egations, it has been
thought desirable to supply the readers of this volume with
a few brief notices of distinguished ministers and laymen
who have adorned the Ii'ish Presbyterian Church during the
present century. Some other articles of an historical
character have also been subjoined.
W. D. KiLLEN.
■^-■fe:'
j&ofessor of Ecclesiastical History]
I Assemtlys College, Belfast. l
HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.
AGHADOWEY.
The fii-st minister was tlie Eev. Thomas Boyd. He was
deposed in 1661 for non-conformity, and in 1662 was ordered
to be tried by tlie House of Lords ; but, notwithstanding,
he still continued to minister to the jieople. We find him in
this charge in 1671-2. He retired to Derry at the period of
the troubles, and remained in the city during all the time of
the siege. He died in this charge in 1699. He was suc-
ceeded by the Eev. James M'Gregor, who was ordained here
June 25th, 1701. About 1720, Mr. M'Gregor resigned the
charge of the congregation, and went to America. He was
succeeded by the Eev. John Elder, who was ordained here by
the Presbytery of Coleraine, May 7th, 1723. In 1726, Mr.
Elder joined the ISTon-Subscribing Presbytery of Antrim, and
a new erection was in consequence attempted, but without
success. Mr. Elder died on the 24th of September, 1779, in
the 87th year of his age. He had previously become infirm ;
and, on his resignation of the congregation, it revei'ted to the
Synod, and the Eev. Samuel Hamilton was ordained here
June 8th, 1773. Mr. Hamilton died July 18th, 1788. The
next minister was the Eev. Archibald Fullerton, who was
ordained on the second Tuesday of December, 1790. He
died January 1st, 1813, and left a large family. One of his
sons, the late George Fullerton, M.D., rose to distinction in
the Australian colonies, and when a Eepresentative Govern-
ment was granted to Queensland, he was appointed a member
of the Legislative Council or Upper Chamber. Shortly before
his death — which happened only a few years ago — he gave a
donation of d£2,000 to Magee College, Derry. His father was
succeeded as minister of Aghadoey by the Eev. John Bx'own,
who was ordained on the 11th of December, 1813. In 1820,
Mr. Brown appeared before the public as an author. His
12 HISTOEY OF CONGREGATIONS.
sermon on " The importance of learning to Society and the
Christian Ministry," then issued from the press. In 1832
he was chosen Moderator of the Synod of Ulster, and about
that time commenced an agitation for an equalization of the
Begium JDonum, which eventually proved successful. In 1839
he received the degree of D.D. from the University of
Edinburgh. Dr. Brown wrote numerous letters in the news-
papers, and published several tracts and sermons. In 1844
he was unanimously chosen Moderator of the General
Assembly. He was never married, and lived to an advanced
age. In 1872 he retired from the active duties of the
ministry, and died on the 27th of March, 1873. He was
succeeded by Mr. Alexander Wallace, who was ordaiued to
the pastoral charge on the 6th of May, 1873. His ministry
.was very short, as he died on the 14th of July, 1874. He
was succeeded by the Eev. James B. Huston, formerly
minister of 1st Eandalstown, who was installed here on the
22nd of December, 1874.
AHOGHILL 1st.
The first minister we find here was John Shaw, who was
ordained in May, 1658. He was deposed by the bishop in
the year 1661, but continued privately to ofiiciate among his
people. In February, 1674, Adam Strehorn, commissioner
to the presbytery, reported that " though the charge be gi'eat
and vast, yet the quota to the minister is small, being con-
siderably short of ^30 per annum, and that even of it there
are arrears due." Mr. Shaw died in 1674-5, and his successor,
M. Haltridge, was ordained here on March 8th, 1676. A
visitation was held here in 1790, when it appeared "that the
arrears due to Mr. Haltridge were =£177, that all was desperate
but about ,£12, and that they could only secure £,21 for the
next year." He continued in this charge till his death, which
occurred October 20th, 1705. His successor was Thomas
Shaw, ordained here December 20th, 1710. He became a
member of the Non- Subscribing Presbytery of Antrim in
1726, in whose communion he died in October, 1731. In
1732 the congregation applied to the Synod of Ulster, stating
that they were about 200 families, and wished to be joined
to the Presbytery of Route. The request was granted, and
supplies were ordered. Their next minister was Mr. John
Semple, ordained here June 1st, 1736. The same year the
HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 13
Synod ordered a collection through all their churches to aid
the people of Ahoghill in erecting their meeting-house. In
1749 Mr. Semple was removed to Anahilt, and was succeeded
here by Mr. James Ker, formerly minister at Pettigo, who
was installed here in the beginning of 1753. He died in this
charge September 18th, 1757. The next minister was Mr.
James Cuming, ordained here October 14th, 1760. He was
grand-uncle to Professor Gibson of Belfast. Becoming infirm,
Mr. Joseph Howard was ordained his assistant and successor
June 20th, 1808. Mr. Cuming died March 3rd, 1809, leaving
a widow, but no family. Mr. Howard died on the 2nd of
May, 1810. The next minister was Mr. George M'Clelland,
ordained December 24th, 1810. Mr. M'Clelland having
retired from the discharge of the active duties of his congrega-
tion, Mr. David Adams was ordained his assistant and
successor on the 8th of June, 1841. Mr. M'Clelland died on
the 15th of February, 1850. Mr. Adams died on the 6th of
March, 1880, and was succeeded by Mr. William Colcjuhoun,
who was ordained here on the 18th of January, 1881.
ANAGHLONE 1st.
This congregation was established by the Seceders about
the beginning of this centuiy. Its first minister was Mr.
David M'Kee. His ministry was of great length, extending
to sixty-six years. Mr. M'Kee died on the 12th of Januarv,
1867, and was succeeded by Mr. John Waddell, who was
ordained here on the 31st December, 1867. Mr. Waddell,
on his removal to Belfast, demitted this charge on the 4th
of April, 1876, and was succeeded by Mr. David T. Mackey,
who was ordained here on the 24th of October of the same
year.
ANAGHLONE 2nd.
In 1819 certain inhabitants of the Parish of Anaghlone,
who had hitherto adhered to the congregation of Lough-
brickland, applied to the Synod of Ulster to be erected into
a separate charge. Leave was granted to them to build a
meeting-house, and the Presbytery of Dromore was appointed
to supply them with preaching as they should see cause. In
1820 they were erected into a congregation, and their first
minister was Mr. Samuel Crawford, who was ordained here
on the 21st of June, 1821. He resigned this charge on the
14 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.
22nd of August, 1822, and removed to a congregation in
Leeds, England. After inuch altercation and frequent
appeals to the Synod, Mr. Alexander Orr was ordained here
on August 5th, 1824, by a Committee of the Synod of Ulster.
In 1827 this congregation was annexed to the Presbytery of
Armagh. On the 11th of September, 1838, Mr. Orr resigned
the charge of this congregation, and removed to Ballyhemlin,
under the care of the Remonstrant Synod. He was succeeded
by Mr. William Dobbin, who was ordained here by the
Presbytery of Dromore on the 19th of June, 1839.
ANAHILT.
This congregation was sometimes called Hillsborough.
We find Mr. John M'Broom settled here before the Revolu-
tion. He died in 1682, as appears from the tomb-stone still
to be seen in Anahilt graveyard. It is there stated that his
ministry was of twenty years duration. Some disputes about
the boundaries of the congregation and that of Lisburn arose
in 1696. In those days people were required to go to the
meeting-house of the district, and not to another at a greater
distance, even though they greatly preferred the distant
minister. In 1697 perambulators were appointed by the
Synod of Ulster to settle these disputes between Anahilt and
Lisburn about boundaries ; but in 1698 we find the people
of Blaris supplicating the Synod of Ulster to be rejoined to
Lisburn, " finding by experience their annexation to Hills-
borough (as it was then called) to be extremely inconvenient."
The next minister, after Mr. M'Broom, of whom we have any
account in this charge was Mr. James Ramsay, who had
pi'eviously supplied Maghera, and who appears to have been
ordained here shortly after the Revolution. He was present
at the Synod in June, 1694. He died February 24th, 1708.
The next minister was Mr. Charles Seaton, who was ordained
here December 9th, 1708. He died in this charge August
27th, 1737. He was succeeded by Mr. Samuel Simms, who
was ordained here June 18th, 1739. He removed to Tullylish
in November, 1746, and was succeeded by Mr. John Sample,
formerly minister of Ahoghill, who was installed here by the
Presbytery of Di'omore on the 7th of June, 1749, Mr.
Semple took an active part in the controversy with the
Seceders, then beginning to establish congregations, and
published a pamphlet, which obtained extensive circulation,
HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 15
entitled " The Survey Impartially Examined," in answer to
another pamphlet entitled " A Brief Survey." He died in
this charge March 24th, 1758. The next minister was Mr.
Eobert M'Clure, who was ordained here on the 29th of April*
1760. Becoming infirm, Mr. William Wright was ordained
his assistant and successor on the 24th of June, 1802. Mr.
M'Clure died May 11th, 1823, leaving a family. Mr. Wrio-htj
commonly called Dr. Wright, becoming infirm, Mr. Thomas
Greer, son of the minister of Dunboe, was ordained assistant
and successor on the 17th of January, 1839. Mr. Wrio-ht
died August 20th, 1844, in the 73rd year of his age.
ANTEIM 1st.
The first minister here was John Ridge, an Englishman,
who had been admitted to the oi-der of deacon on the 8th of
March, 1611, by the Bishop of Oxford, and was instituted to
the vicarage of Antrim, July 7th, 1619, on the presentation
of Arthur Lord Chichester. He was deposed August 12th,
1636, by Leslie, Bishop of Down and Connor, and flying to
Scotland, died shortly after at Irvine. In April, 1642, John
Livingston spent six weeks at Antrim, entertained by Sir
John Clotworthy, and held the communion there. They gave
him a call, but he would not accept it. Archibald Ferguson
was ordained here by the Presbytery about 1645. In 1646
he was Moderator of the Presbytery of Antrim, and presided
at the ordination of Kennedy, at Templepatrick. He was
imprisoned by Venables in Carrickfergus in June, 1650, and
summoned to Dublin in 1653. He died the following year.
He was succeeded by James Cunningham, son of Mr. Cun-
ningham, of Holywood, who died, as his tomb-stone relates,
minister of Antrim, October 2nd, 1670. In July, 1671, they
called Thomas Gowan, formerly minister of Glasslough, who
appears to have been eugaged in supplying Connor from 1667.
The following reasons were drawn up in Ajjril, 1672, in favour
of his removal and settlement at Antrim : — 1. The j^arish of
Antrim being more considerable than Glasslough. 2. The
unhealthfulness of his body in his former place. 3. His
usefulness in philosophy, and the accommodation in Antrim
for his scholars. 4. The great difiiculty of planting Antrim
in the person of another with consent of all parties. These
reasons j)revailed, and his relation to Glasslough was formally
loosed in August, 1672. Shortly after we find him comijlaining
16 HISTOEY OF CONGREGATIONS.
to the Presbytery of want of a pi-eachmg-liouse. It may
be here noticed that the celebrated John Howe came to
Antrim in May, 1671, as chaplain to Lord Massereene, that
he assisted the Presbytery, and joined with them in their
proceedings, and that he continued here till 1676, when he
removed to London. When in Antrim he often pi-eached in
the parish church. In February, 1673, Mr. Gowan also had
liberty offered him to preach there, through the influence of
Lord Massereene, and the propriety of his accepting the
offer was discussed at the subsequent meeting in March in
these terms : — " A case being propounded by Mr. Thomas
Gowan concerning an offer of liberty to him to preach in the
church, the question was put whether, if Mr. Gowan should
embrace this liberty, so that the people who own him be not
ensnared to countenance the liturgy, or to profane the
Sabbath by attending at the church door when it is reading,
and withal, so that a considerable number of the people do
not absent themselves from the public ordinances in the
congregation ; whether, these cautions being observed, the
brethren will take offence at his practice ?" It was answered
to this query, " That the brethren would not take offence."
But in June the people of Muckamore complained of this
arrangement, and the Presbytery met at Antrim in July to
consider the business more fully, but did not come to any
positive decision. They concluded, however, by stating
" that, upon the whole matter, if it were not for their great
respect for Lord Massereene and his family, they would be
clear to advise Mr. Gowan to withdraw altogether from using
the church." In consequence of this, Lord Massereene wrote
to the Presbytery, in September, that he hoped to get all
grievances and difficulties removed. In April, 1674, John
White, elder, reports that they j^ay £,40 per annum stipend,
and that the cause of the quota being so small was owing to
its falling on the town, and little on the country. Mr.
Gowan died in August, 1683, leaving a widow. In August,
1684, they called Jo. Abernethy, but he having another call
from Moneymore, accepted it in preference to Antrim. In
October, 1686, they succeeded in obtaining Mr. John Ander-
son, who was removed from Glenarm, and who continued
with them till April, 1688, when he I'eturned to his former
congregation in Scotland — a liberty which he had reserved
for himself when he settled at Glenarm and Antrim. In
July following they called Mr. William Adair, minister of
HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 17
Ballyeaston, but, the troubles soon coming on, tbis intended
an-angement was interrupted. In May, li690, the Presbytery
recommended to them Neil Grey, of Ologher, but the"^ con-
gregation did not relish it, because they thought his voice
was too low. They then pi-esented their call to Mr. Adair,
and the Synod — the first that met in the North after the
Eevolution — in September, 1690, countenanced them in it,
and in November he was removed thither, the congregation
promising him ^48 per annum. Mr. Adair died February
14th, 1699. This same year they called Mr. James Kirk-
patrick, afterwards of Belfast, but he had previously a call
from Templepatrick. They at length succeeded in obtaining
Mr. John Abernethy, son of Mr. Abernethy, of Coleraine,
who was ordained here August 18th, 1703. In 1711 he had
a call to Derry, but the Synod would not permit him to
remove. In his time the Subscription controversy occurred.
Mr. Abernethy was one of the leaders of the Non-subscribers ;
and, in consequence, a schism took place in his congregation.
In 1726 those dissatisfied with his proceedings were erected
into a new congregation by the Synod of Ulster. In 1727
the Synod granted them assistance to build their meeting-
house. In 1728 their commissioners, Robert Eainey and
David White, acknowledged the assistance they had received
from several congi-egations. In 1729 they called Mr. Hemp-
hill, minister of Castleblayney, but the Synod would not
permit him to remove. They then supplicated for supply of
probationers, which was granted, the congregation promising
thirty shillings each month, with entertainment for man and
horse. Their first minister was Mr. William Holmes, a
licentiate of the Strabane Presbytery, who was ordained here
by the Presbytery of Templepatrick, September 7th, 1730.
In 1731 he had a controversy with Mr. Duchal, the minister
of the Non-subscribing congregation. He died in this charge
May 1st, 1750. He was succeeded by Mr. John Rankin, who
was settled here October 16, 1751. Mr. Rankin died in this
charge in 1789. He was succeeded by Mr. Alexander
Montgomery, ordained here May 31st, 1791. He was sus-
pended by the Presbytery in 1806 for two Lord's days for
celebrating marriages irregularly. Becoming infirm, Mr.
Robert Magill was ordained his assistant and successor June
20th, 1820. Mr. Montgomery died October 19th, 1820,
leaving a widow and family ; and Mr. Magill died on the
19th of February, 1839. He was succeeded by Mr. Charles
18 HISTORY OP CONGEEaATIONS.
Morrison, who was ordained liei-e March 24th, 1840. Mr.
Morrison demitted this charge on the 6th of September,
1859, and was succeeded by Mr. George Magill, minister of
Lylehill, who was installed here on the 20th of December,
1859. Mr. Magill, having accepted a call from Cork, i-esigned
the charge of this congregation on the 1st of May, 1867, and
was succeeded by Mr. Thomas West, who was ordained here
on the 20th of November of the same year,
AEDGLASS.
Ardglass, though now but a small place of little con-
sequence, chiefly known in connection with the herring
fishery, was, four or five hundred years ago, the second
trading town on the eastern coast of Ulster. Carrickfergus
then held the first rank. Presbyterianism never seems
to have obtained any very broad footing in the neigh-
bourhood of Ardglass. In 1697 the Synod of Ulster
ordered that Bailee, Down, and Drumca or Clough, should
be formed into two congregations. Bailee is only two or
three miles distant from Ardglass; and in August, 1701,
William Smith was ordained by the Presbytery of Down as
minister of Bailee. He died in this charge in July, 1747.
He was succeeded by Mr. Robert Smith, probably his son,
who was ordained here by the Presbytery of Killileagh on
the 3rd October, 1750. He died June 15th, 1787, having
obtained as his assistant and successor Mr. James Patterson,
who was ordained here October 28th, 1782. He died in this
charge on May 7th, 1798, leaving a widow and family. The
next minister was Mr. Josiah Ker, who was ordained here
March 18th, 1799. He resigned this charge in August 26,
1809 ; and was afterwards suspended for immoral conduct.
The next minister was Mr. David White, who was ordained
here August 27, 1811. The Arian controversy soon after-
wards commenced in the Synod of Ulster ; and in 1829 the
Unitarians withdi'ew. Mr. White adhered to the separatists ;
and, in consequence, the orthodox party were left for several
years without a ministry. At length, about 1841, chiefly
through the exertions of the late Dr. James Seaton Eeid,
then Professor of Church History for the General Assembly,
and the late Captain Rowan, of Downpatrick, a congregation
was organised at Ardglass ; and, on the 31st of May, 1842,
the Rev, Joseph Burns was ordained the j^astor. The con-
HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 19
gregation had then no place of worsliip, and tlie ordination
took i>lace in one of the outbuildings connected with Ardglass
House. Mr. Burns resigned the pastoral charge on the 13th
of August, 1844 — having accepted a call from the congrega-
tion of Whitehaven, England. On the 28th of March,"l845,
Mr. Thomas Macafee was ordained to the charge.
ARDSTEAW 1st.
The first minister was Mr. William Moorcroft. The
second minister of this congregation appears to have been
Mr. Adam White. He had been settled in Fannet in
1654, where he was deposed in 1661, and with three others
Avas imprisoned by Leslie, bishop of Eaj^hoe, for six years.
He resigned Fannet in 1672, and removed to Ardstraw,
Avhich was vacant in 1671 — probably after the death of Mr.
William Moorcroft, its first minister. In 1688 Mr. White
fled to Scotland, whence by letters he demitted the charge
to the Presbytery of Lagan in January, 1692, and afterwards
settled at Billey, near Dunluce. Their next minister was
Samuel Holyday or Haliday. He had been minister of
Omagh, and retired to Scotland at the Eevolution. On his
return, Omagh congregation declared its inability to support
him ; and, ministers being then scarce, in November, 1692,
he had calls from Donagheady, Urney, and Ardstraw. The
two former offered <£30 per annum, to provide a farm for
him, and build the necessary accommodation ; Ardstraw
offered d£27 per annum, with 27 barrels of corn, and to
advance half a year's salary to defray his charges in removing
his family from Scotland. He accepted Ai'dstraw, and was
installed here in December, 1692. He was the father of Dr.
Haliday, minister of the 1st Congregation of Belfast, so
famous in connection with the Subscription controversy. He
died in February, 1724 ; but previously, in March, 1718, Mr.
Isaac Taylor had been ordained here as his assistant and
successor. In May, 1729, Mr. Taylor conformed to the
Established Church. In 1731 the people called Mr. John
Holmes, of Donegall, but the Synod opposed his removal.
The next minister was Mr. Andrew Welsh, ordained here
August 22nd, 1733. In 1736 an application was made to
Synod by a discontented party for a new settlement, but the
Synod refused to interfere. Disjjutes, however, continued ;
and the Synod, in 1741, sanctioned a new erection at Clady,
20 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.
and put it under the care of the Presbytery of Letterkenny.
Mr. Welsh died May 15th, 1781, leaving a widow and
children. In October, 1779, Mr. Robert Clarke was ordained
here as assistant and successor to Mr. Welsh. Mr. Clarke
becoming infirm, Mr. Matthew Clarke was ordained his
assistant and successor September 21st, 1820. Mr. R.
Clarke died December 3rd, 1821, leaving neither widow nor
family. On the 21st February, 1861, Mr. Leslie A. Lyle was
ordained assistant and successor to Mr. M. Clarke. Mr. M.
Clarke died on the 28th of December, 1875.
ARMAGH 1st.
Presbyterianism was first introduced into Armagh after
the great rebellion of 1641. From " Goodall's Memoirs" it
appears that Mr. Hoj^e Sherrid, who was minister here in
1661, was deposed with his brethren by Bramhall. Worship
was, however, continued in a private manner. We have no
account of this congregation till we find Archibald Hamilton,
son of James Hamilton, of Ballywalter, loosed from his
charge in Benburb, in May, 1673, and thereafter settled in
Armagh. At the time of the troubles in 1688, he retired to
Scotland, and afterwards in 1692, at his own request, the
Synod dissolved his connection with this congregation. He
was then settled as minister at Killinchy. In 1694 the people
of Armagh applied for Mr. Hutchison, minister of Down-
patrick, and soon after, for the return of Mr. Hamilton ; but
the Synod declined to accede to either of these applications.
In 1697 they called Francis Iredell, minister of Donegore,
but he declined their offer; and in the end of the same
year they obtained John Hutchison, formerly minister of
Downpatrick, and son of Alexander Hutchison, minister" of
Saintfield. The second son of this minister of Armagh was
the celebrated Dr. Francis Hutchison, Professor of Moral
Philosophy in the University of Glasgow. Mr. Hutchison
died on the 10th of February, 1729. In 1731 the congregation
applied for the removal of James Bond (ancestor of Captain
Bond, of Farra, County Longford) , who was then minister of
Longford ; but the Synod would not sanction this translation.
Mr. John Maxwell, son of the minister of Omagh, was ordained
here March 15th, 1732. Mr. Maxwell, who had much in-
fluence during his time in the Synod of Ulster, died on the
HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 21
IStli of December, 1763. In December, 1764, tlie famous
William Campbell, D.D., was installed his successor. Dr.
Camj^bell bad been minister of Antrim where he was ordained
in 1759. He was an excellent scholar and a vigorous writer.
He attracted much attention by a controversy in which he
was engaged with the Bishop of Cloyne. In 1772 it was
reported to Synod that Arthur Graham, Esq., had bequeathed
d£'130 for the use of the ministers of Armagh, which sum,
with additional subscriptions, was laid out in building a
manse on a tenement which had been granted for lives
renewable for ever, in December, 1768. In 1730 a large
tenement was taken for three lives from Mr. Maxwell, after-
wards Lord Farnham, on part of which the meeting-house
stood and also the manse ; the rest was given up to John
Johnston, Esq., for valuable consideration. The manse was
built dui-ing the ministry of Dr. Campbell. This gentleman
removed from Armagh to Clonmel in 1789 and died there
November 17th, 1805. His successor in Armagh was Mr.
"William Henry, formerly minister of Stewartstown, who was
installed here July 14th, 1791, but in May, 1795, he was
suspended sine die. He was succeeded by Mr. Thomas
Cuming, father of Dr. Cuming, of Armagh, and uncle of
Professor Gibson, of Belfast. Mr. Cuming, who had formerly
been minister of 1st Dromore, was installed here January 9th,
1796, and died August 19th, 1816. He was for many years
the clerk of the Synod of Ulster, and was brother-in-law of
the celebrated Dr. Black, of Derry. The next minister was
Samuel Eccles, who was ordained here June 16th, 1817, and
who died February 21st, 1823. After a protracted vacancy,
Mr. P, S. Henry (son of the minister of Eandalstown), was
ordained here December 7th, 1826. On the 2nd of February,
1846, Mr. Henry, afterwards D.D., resigned the charge of
1st Armagh, in consequence of his appointment as President
of Queen's College, Belfast ; and on the 17th of April, 1846,
Mr. Alexander Fleming was installed as his successor.
On the 17th of November, 1851, Mr. Fleming died; and
was succeeded by Mr. John Hall, who was installed on
the 30th of January, 1852. On the 17th of August,
1858, Mr. Hall, now D.D., of New York, resigned the
pastoral charge, and removed to Dublin ; and on the 27th
of June, 1859, Mr. Jackson Smyth, now D.D., was installed
as his successor.
22 HISTORY OF CONGKEGATIONS,
AEMAGH 3ed.
This congregation was erected by the Presbytery of
Armagh in connection with the Synod of Ulster in November,
1837. The first minister was Mr. John Richard M'Alister,
formerly minister of Ballygrainey, who was installed here
on the 13th of June, 1838. Mr. M'Alister died on the 27th
of June, 1871, and was succeeded by Mr. T. B. Meharry,
formerly minister of Moy. Mr. Meharry was installed as
minister of 3rd Armagh on the 9th of October, 1871. On
the 2nd of March, 1875, Mr. Meharry resigned the charge of
this congregation, having accepted a call from the congrega-
tion of Trinity Church, Newcastle-oh-Tyne ; and on the 30th
of June, 1875, Mr. John Elliott, formerly minister of
Donoughmore, County Down, was installed as the pastor.
AEMOT.
This congregation was erected in 1768 by the Presbytery
of Eoute, The Synod of that year disapproved of the erec-
tion, but permitted the Presbytery, if they saw cause, to
supply the place till next meeting. In 1769 the peojile sent
John Neal and Hugh Fulton as commissioners to the Synod,
and the Synod appointed a committee of its members to meet
at Ballywillan and determine the propriety of the erection.
The erection was thus sanctioned ; and the first minister was
Mr. Hugh M'Clelland, who was ordained here June 10th,
1771. He died in this charge in October, 1813, leaving a
widow and family. He was succeeded by Mr. Jackson
Graham, who was ordained here August 15th, 1814. Becoming
infirm, Mr. John M'Dermott was ordained his assistant on
the 24th of February, 1869. Mr. Graham died on the 9th
of January, 1880. Mr. M'Dermott resigned the pastoral
charge on the 7th of October, 1873, on his removal to
Strabane ; and, on the 22nd of July, 1874, Mr. William J.
Thomson was ordained here. On the 15th of October, 1879,
Mr. Thomson resigned the charge, having accepted a call
from the Free Church congregation of Bridgeton, Glasgow ;
and, on the 18th of August, 1880, Mr. John Milliken was
ordained as minister of this congregation.
HISTORY OF CONGKEGATIONS. 23
ATHLONE.
In 1704 Major Thomas Handock supjjlicated the Synod of
Ulster to send supplies of preaching to Athlone. On this
occasion it appeared that it had already been visited by
Presbyterian pi-eachers. As an encouragement to a minister
to settle among them, the people offered =£30 per annum and
a farm of twenty-five acres free, and free accommodation to
the minister so long as he remained unmarried. They did
not, however, succeed in obtaining a minister until 1708,
when Mr. Samuel Dunlop was ordained here by the Presby-
tery of Monaglian on the 29th of April of that year. His
support was but scanty, and in 1722 he resigned the charge
because of insufficient maintenance. For a long time Athlone
remained without any stated Presbyterian ministry ; but in
1836 the congregation was i*evived, and the Rev. E. H.
Allen, formerly minister of Hilltown, was installed here on
the 29th of March, 1837. Mr. Allen died on the 18th of
July, 1849 ; and on the 25th of March, 1851, the Rev. James
Mawhinney was installed as minister here. On his appoint-
ment as an army chaplain, Mr. Mawhinney resigned this
charge on the 3rd of April, 1861 ; and was succeeded by the
Rev. S. E. Brown, who was installed here on the 18th of
June, 1861. Mr. Brown resigned this charge on the 5th of
November, 1878, having accepted a call from the congrega-
tion of Clough, in the County of Antrim. He was succeeded
by Mr. Robert Watson, who was ordained here on the 5th of
August, 1879.
AIJaHNACLOY.
The first minister was Mr. Baptist Boyd, who was ordained
here some time before the year 1697. He died in this charge
November 25th, 1749. He was succeeded by Hugh Mulligan,
formerly minister of Bailieborough, who was installed here
October 13th, 1757. He died January 1st, 1786. The next
minister was Mr. James Davison, who was ordained here by
the Presbytery of Clogher to the joint charges of Aughnacloy
and Ballygawley July 10th, 1787. He was suspended for
two months in June and July, 1811, and finally resigned this
joint charge on the 19th of August, 1811. He was succeeded
by Mr. John Anderson, who was ordained to the same charge
24 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.
June 23rd, 1812, Mr. Davison died February 3rd, 1813,
leaving a widow and family ; and Mr. Anderson died May
16th, 1829, leaving a widow. At Mr. Anderson's death,
Ballygawley was separated from Auglmacloy, and each
became a separate congregation. Mr. John Henderson was
then chosen to the pastoral charge of Aughnacloy, and was
ordained here on the 8th of October, 1830. On the Ilth of
May, 1842, Mr. Henderson demitted the cai-e of the congrega-
tion, and on the 14th of February, 1843, the Kev. William
M'llwain was ordained to the pastoral charge.
BADONEY.
The first notice we have of this congregation is in connec-
tion with the ordination of Mr. Alexander M'Cracken, who
was set apart to this charge on the 26th of July, 1710. He
appears to have been educated at the University of Glasgow,
where, as we learn from the college registry, Alexander
M'Cracken, Scoto Hyhernus matriculated on the 27th of
February, 1702. Mr. M'Cracken was minister of Badoney
upwards of thirty years. He died in September, 1743, and
was succeeded by Mr. Hugh M'Cracken, probably his son,
who Avas ordained here June 4th, 1761. He at length
demitted this charge, and resided at Carrickfergus, within
the bounds of the Presbytery of Templepatrick, where he
conducted himself imprudently, and in 1775 he was dep»osed
by the Synod for irregular marriages. In 1768 we find Mr.
Joseph Coulter minister of this congregation. Mr. Coulter
died in 1789. He was succeeded by Mr. William Dunlop,
who was ordained here March 15th, 1790. In 1798 he
removed to Strabane, and was succeeded by Mr. Charles
Hemphill, who was ordained here February 21st, 1799. Mr.
Hemphill becoming infirm, the Eev. Thomas Johnston was
ordained as his assistant on the 16th of June, 1843. Mr.
Hemphill died on the 13th of January, 1844. Mr. Johnston
died on the 1st of September, 1875; and on the 19th of
January following, Mr. John Boyd was ordained here. On
the 26th of November, 1880, Mr. Boyd resigned the pastoral
charge, having accepted a call from the congregation of
Portaferry; and on the 31st of May, 1881, Mr. Jackson
M'Fadden was installed here.
HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 25
BAILIEBOEOUGH 1st.
The first minister of this congregation of whom we have
any account was Mr. David Simm, who was ordained here by
the Presbytery of Monaghan March 25th, 1714. In 1724
he had a call to Carlow, and the Synod of Ulster permitted
him to remove. He was succeeded by Mr. Wilson, who was
ordained here December 20th, 1726, after which he was
joined to the Presbytery of Dublin. In 1732 the people
stated to the Synod that they were able to pay him but d£12
per annum. He died in this charge November 11th, 1735.
He was succeeded by Mr. Hugh Mulligan, who was ordained
here July 27th, 1742. He removed to Aughnacloy in
October, 1757. The next minister was Mr. Alexander M'Kee,
formerly minister of Drum, who removed here May 4th,
1761, and died the 13th of the same month. He was suc-
ceeded by Mr. Jo. Mathewson, who was ordained here by the
Presbyteiy of Cootehill February 10th, 1762. He resigned
this charge October 3rd, 1780. He was succeeded by Mr.
Robert Montgomery, who was ordained here by the Presbytery
of Monaghan June 5th, 1781. He died January 1st, 1803,
leaving a widow and family. The next minister was Mr.
John Kelso, who was ordained here February 7th, 1804. He
died March 23rd, 1810, leaving neither widow nor family,
and was succeeded by Mr. Patrick White, who was ordained
here August 28th, 1810. In 1819 the minister, session, and
congregation applied to the Synod of Ulster for their support
in defending their title to a farm set apart for the benefit of
the pastor, upwards of one hundred years before, by the
proprietor, Mr. Hamilton, of Bailieborough. The Synod
agreed, and the suit was gained. The farm thus secured is,
perhaps, the most valuable glebe belonging to any congrega-
tion connected with the Presbyterian Church in Ireland ; and
Mr. White gained great credit for the integrity and zeal
with which he contended for the conservation of the property.
Mr. White died on the 17th of January, 1862, and on the
13th of March following, his son, the Rev. Patrick White,
who had been minister of Donoughmore, was invested with
the pastoral charge. On the 7th of October, 1873, Mr.
Patrick White, having received a call from a congregation in
Liverpool, resigned this charge ; and Mr. Thomas K. White
was installed as pastor.
26 HISTORY OF CONGEEGATIONS.
BALLACOLLA.
After the famine of 1847-50, a few Scotclamen took farms
from Lord De Vesci near Abbeyleix, and Lord Castletown
near Eathdowney. These families were occasionally visited
by Eev. H. M'Manus, of Mountmellick, but no attempt was
made to organize a congregation for some time. A lady has
the credit of doing that. The young wife of Mr. Jonathan
Millie, Abbeyleix, a Scotchwoman, feeling the want of the
simple form of Presbyterian worship, to which she had
always been accustomed, and seeing if the two little colonies
of Presbyterians, only a few miles separated, could be united
by meeting to worship at a central point, there was the
nucleus of a substantial congregation. She visited each, and
obtained their adherence to her plan. She and her husband
afterwards waited on the late James G-ibson, Q.C, the
chairman of Queen's County, when on his Sessions Circuit,
who entered heartily into the jDlan, and by his wise counsel
the matter was brought to a successful issue. Messrs.
Millie and Purves attended the next meeting of Dublin
Presbytery with a memoi'ial for organization. The Presby-
tery, after due inquiry, granted the request, and formed
them into a congregation on 7th April, 1858. The coui-thouse
of Ballacolla was applied for and granted to hold public
worship on every Sabbath until a church would be erected ;
and supplies were sent. No Presbyterian family resided at
the small village of Ballacolla, but it was a central point for
the members to meet. Three acres of land at a nominal
rent, with lease for 999 years, was obtained close to the
village from Richard Caldbeck, Esq., J. P. A substantial
church was erected, and opened, free of debt, by Eev. H.
Cooke, D.D., LL.D., Belfast, on 22nd March, 1860, and the
week after, on 27th March, Mr. Alexander Milligan, a
licentiate of Newry Presbytery, was ordained the first minister
of this charge, Eev. J. Elliott, of Armagh, taking part. The
Eev. John Hall, D.D., then of Dublin, gave the charge on
the interesting occasion. It was upwards of two years after
this when the manse was built and ready for the minister to
occupy. It was gratifying to all that when finished both
church and manse were free of debt, showing the liberality
with which the people contributed ; they wei'e aided also by
a grant from the Church and Manse Fund. The strong
Presbyterianism of Mrs. Millie was shown in the blue cloth,
HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 27
with blue trimmings, she put on the pulpit. A member of
the Purves family presented a superbly-bound pulpit bible
and psalm book. As all the members of Ballacolla congre-
gation live at a distance from the church, and ride or drive
to worship, they were greatly inconvenienced for accommoda-
tion for their horses in the village till Mr. George Purves,
the secretary, aided by other members of the congregation,
built stables sufficient for them all, and handed over the
building, a free gift, to the congregation. A call from the
congregation of Corlea, Bailieborough, came to Mr. Milligan,
which he accepted, and resigned the pastorate of Ballacolla
on 7th March, 1882. The congregation next called Mr.
Alexander Mogee, a licentiate of Route Presbytery, who
was ordained here on 7th August, 1882.
BALLINDEERY.
The first settlement in this neighbourhood was at Glenavy.
In February, 1672, the Presbytery of Antrim, considering
the need the people had of preaching, sent one of their
number to examine what encouragement there was for the
settlement of a minister. In April of that year, Robert
Scott and John Johnson appeared as commissioners at the
Presbytery, and they were recommended to make arrange-
ments for building a meeting-house and manse. In August
the people obtained a hearing of Mr. Archibald Yoimg, a pro-
bationer; and they presented him with a call in the September
following, promising to give him ^30 per annum, and to
provide him with a house and garden. He proceeded with
his second trials ; but, in May, 1673, he had a call to Down-
patrick, which the Presbytery permitted him to accept, and he
removed there in June. In September of the same year the
people presented a call to Mr. Matthew Haltridge, which he
accepted; and, in February, 1674, their commissioner, John
Ferguson, promised for his support =£25 per annum, with a
sufficiency of turf and a manse. With the exception of a
visit to Cork in June and July, he continued to supply the
congregation till December, when, the people having failed
in their promises to him, the Presbytery freed him from the
charge of this place. He was afterwards settled at Ahoghill ;
and Grlenavy was thus again left vacant. In January, 1683,
we find Mr. David Airth settled in this parish, having been
ordained here some time in the interval between 1675 and
28 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.
tliat date. His support being small and badly paid, he is
declared transportable in August, 1685 ; and, in June, 1694,
lie removed to a charge in Scotland. The congregation was
now long vacant. The next minister, Mr. John Riddel, was
ordained by the Presbytery of Belfast on the 12th of March,
1701. In 1712 he was prosecuted as a non-juror. In 1713
the congregation of Ballinderry, as it at present exists, was
formed — part from Glenavy and some from Moira — whilst
the greater part of Glenavy was incorporated into a later
erection at Crumlin. The commissioners from Ballinderry
to the Synod were Arthur Maxwell, Esq., a great benefactor
of the Irish Presbyterian Church ; Dr. Ferguson, and
Thomas Beatty. Their first minister, after their separation,
was Mr. John Hasty, who was ordained here June 11th, 1724.
He died in this charge on the 6th of April, 1743. Their next
minister was Mr. Clotworthy Dobbin, ordained here February
5th, 1746, but in the following year he was removed to
Ballynure. He was succeeded by Mr. William Rowan, who
was ordained here by the Presbytery of Bangor on the 30th
of October, 1751. In 1783 he demitted his charge, and was
succeeded by Mr. Robert Carlisle, who was ordained by the
Presbytery of Belfast in September, 1784. In May, 1794,
on account of indisposition, the Presbytery disannexed him
from this charge, and Mr. William Whitlaw was ordained
his successor on the first Tuesday of August, 1794. Mr.
Whitlaw becoming infirm, Mr. John Shaw was ordained his
assistant and successor on the 6th of February, 1826. Mr.
Shaw resigned his charge here in 1831, and removed to
Ballynahinch. The next assistant to Mr. Whitlaw was Mr.
Henry Leebody, who was ordained here by the Presbytery of
Belfast on the 17th of April, 1833. Mr. Whitlaw died
January 11th, 1836. Mr. Leebody having become infirm,
Mr. James Meeke was ordained his assistant and successor
on the 24th of May, 1877. Mr. Leebody died in May, 1879.
BALLINDREAT.
This congregation was formerly known by the name of
LifEord. Its first minister appears to have been Mr. William
Traill. He came from Scotland as a probationer in 1671,
and was secretly ordained here the next year. Being much
persecuted, he fled to Scotland about 1682. His successor
was Mr. John Rowat. Mr. Rowat was in Derry during the
HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 29
memorable siege, He died January 4th, 1694. He was
succeeded by Mr. James Pringle, who was ordained here ou
the 27th November, 1695. He demittedthis charge in July,
1699, and removed to Moy water (now Killala), in Mayo.
The next minister was Mr. John Ball, who was ordained here
September 25th, 1706. He died in this charge August 22nd,
1739. The next minister was Mr. John Marshall, who was
ordained here by the Presbytery of Letterkenny, July 27th,
1743. He died in this charge in the first week of May, 1795,
leaving a family. After much disputing, the people obtained
for their minister, Mr. James Houston, who was ordained
here on the 10th of July, 1799. About this time a species of
theological institute had been established at Strabane, con-
ducted by the Eev. William Crawford, D.D., the minister of
that place, and Mr. Houston was one of the students educated
in that seminary. Becoming infirm, Mr. William M'Crea
was ordained as assistant and successor to Mr. Houston by
the Presbytery of Eaphoe, on the 20th of June, 1838. Mr.
Houston died November 27th, 1839. On the 31st of January,
1871, Mr. M'Crea was suspended from the office of the
ministry; and on the 18th of December, 1872, Mr. James
MTarland Guy was ordained to the pastoral charge of this
congregation.
BALLYBAY 1st.
The first minister of this congregation of whom we have
any account was Mr. Humphrey Thompson, who seems to have
been ordained here about 1698. He died in this charge
April 7th, 1744. The next minister was Mr, Alexander
Wadsworth, who was ordained as assistant and successor to
Mr. Thompson January 19th, 1744. Mr. Wadsworth died,
after a short ministry, on the 31st of March, 1747, and was
succeeded by Mr. James Jackson, who was ordained February
21st, 1750. He demitted the charge through bodily indis-
position in May, 1781, and died in September, 1792, leaving
a widow and family. He was succeeded by Mr. John Arnold,
who was ordained here December 18th, 1782. Mi". Arnold
removed to America in 1797. After great disputes, Mr.
James Morell was ordained here August 6th, 1799. He died
in this charge on the 31st of August, 1831, leaving a widow
and family. Of his sons, two are now ministers of the
Assembly, the Eev. John Morell of Second Ballybay and
the Eev. Charles L. Morell (now D.D.) of Dungannon, one
30 HISTOEY OF CONGREGATIONS.
of the ex-Moderators of the Assembly. After the death of
Mr. James Morell, the congregation divided into two parts.
Over First Ballybay, Mr. William Gibson (afterwards D.D.
and Professor of Christian Ethics in the Assembly's College,
Belfast), was ordained on the 1st of January, 1834. On the
29th of October, 1840, he resigned the charge, having received
a call to Rosemary Street Congregation, Belfast. He was
succeeded in Ballybay by Mr. Joseph Crawford, who was
ordained here on the 23rd of August, 1842. Mr. Crawford
resigned the charge on the 5th November, 1844, and was
succeeded by Mr. John Moran, who was ordained on the 24th
of March, 1846, and who, on the 27th of the following
October, resigned the charge, having received a call from 1st
Newry. He was succeeded by Mr. John Gordon Smith, who
was ordained here on the 28th of September, 1847.
BALLYBAY 2nd.
This congregation was established upwards of forty years
ago. After the death of , Mr. James Morell, who died,
minister of Ballybay, on the 31st of August, 1831, a division
took place among the people. A new j^lace of worship was
erected near the town of Ballybay, and Mr. John Harris
Morell, son of the former minister, was ordained to the
pastoral charge of 2nd Ballybay on the 2nd of January, 1834.
Mr. Morell has obtained leave to resign.
BALLYCARRY.
This congregation was formerly better known by the name
of Broadisland. It is confessedly one of the oldest, perhaps
the very oldest, of the Irish Presbyterian congregations. Its
first minister, Mr. Edward Brice, had been minister of Drymen,
in Stirlingshire, whence he was obliged to fly to Ireland to
escape the severities of Spotswood, a Scotch prelate, notorious
as a persecutor. Mr. Brice settled in Broadisland about
1611, under the sanction of his countryman Echlin, Bishop
of Down and Connor. He preached in the parish church,
and enjoyed the tithes, though he came under no engagement
to use the Liturgy or conform to the discipline of the
Episcopal Church. In 1634 the Calvinistic Confession,
adopted in 1615 by the Reformed Church of Ireland, was set
aside, and a series of canons requii-ing strict conformity was
HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 31
adopted. Mr. Brice was some time afterwards assailed for
uon-conf ormity, and a seuteuce of deposition was pronounced
on him, but he died before the sentence could be carried into
effect. All Presbyterian ministers were now driven out of
the country, and multitudes of the laity fled to Scotland to
escape the imposition of the Black Oath. But they were
thus providentially taken away from the evil to come ; for
whilst a considerable number of the Episcoj^al clergy perished
in the Irish massacre of 1641, not a single Presbyterian
minister suffered any injury, for they had all before been
obliged to take refuge in Scotland. In 1645 Mr. Robert
Cunningham, son of Mr. Cunningham, of Holy wood, was
ordained in Ballycany. In June, 1673, a complaint was
made to the Presbytery that the j^eople were paying no
rent for the building which they used as a place of worship,
whereupon they agreed to pay the arrears demanded,
and to commence the erection of a meeting-house for them-
selves. In April, 1674, the state of their congregational
accounts was reported to the Presbytery, from which it
appeai'ed that they had been making very little provision for
the support of the minister. About that time the first grant
of Begium Bonum was made to the Irish Presbyterian
ministers, and, probably, many of the people imagined that
they did not require to supplement it. At the same meeting
Matthew Logan and George Straight aj^peai'ed as commis-
sioners from the congregation, and informed the Presbytery
that " they were laying down a way for securing their
minister <£30 per annum for the future." In May, 1688,
Mr. Haltridge, of Islandmagee, was appointed to inquire into
the state of Mr. Cunningham's maintenance ; and in June it
is reported that the " Laird of Duntreath " wrote to Mr.
Henry, of Carrickfergus, showing " that the people are now
very poor ; but that, if trading come in, he will be as active
as may be in stirring up the people ; and, as for himself, he
promises to do what he did for Mr. Pitcairn in Ballymena."
Mr. Cunningham continued in this charge till his death in
1698. Mr. James Cobham was the next minister. He was
ordained here about 1 700. He died in this charge February
23rd, 1759. He was succeeded by Mr. John Bankhead, who
was ordained here August 16th, 1763. Becoming infirm,
Mr. William Glendy was ordained as his assistant and suc-
cessor on the 30th July, 1812. In 1829 Mr. Glendy, who
avowed himself an Arian, seceded from the Synod of Ulster,
32 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.
■with a portion of the congregation. The people adhering to
the Synod gave a call to Mr. John Stuart, who was ordained
to this charge by the Presbytery of Templepatrick on the
3rd of April,"l832. Mr. Bankhead— who was the father of
Dr. Bankhead, the celebrated physician, in whose arms the
famous Lord Londonderry expired — died July 5th, 1833, after
having been in this charge seventy years all but forty-two
days. Mr. Stuart died on the 6th of February, 1880 ; and
was succeeded by Mr. John Dickson, who was ordained here
on the 27th of July, 1880.
BALLYCASTLE.
The Presbyterians of the town of Ballycastle, in the County
of Antrim, formerly worshipped at Ramoan. Tliey were at
length erected into a separate congregation by the Presbytery
of Eoute in the beginning of the year 1827. Their first
minister was Mr. Samuel Lyle, who was ordained hei'e on the
4th of March, 1829. At the meeting of Assembly in 1866,
Mr. Lyle obtained leave for the congregation to choose au
assistant and successor, and on the 19th of June, 1867, Mr.
George M'Farland was ordained there by the Presbytery of
Route. Mr. Lyle died on the 26th of August, 1868. Mr.
M'Farland, on his appointment as Mission Secretary to the
General Assembly, in June, 1882, resigned the pastoral
charge, and was succeeded by Mr. John Jackson, formerly
minister of Cloughwater, who was installed here on the 26th
of October of the same year.
BALLYCLARE.
The first minister of this congregation of whom we have
any account was Mr. Gilbert Simpson, who was ordained here
August 9th, 1655. He was here in 1662. The next minister
was Mr. Robert Patton. He was here in 1671, and probably
for a considerable time before. We find him going on a visit
to Scotland, with the leave of the Presbytery, in July, 1674,
and returning in the November following. In June, 1675,
John M'CuUy and John Wilson appeared as commissioners
at the Presbytery, " acknowledging great deficiency in the
paying of their minister ; and proposing that if the meeting
would condescend to remove the able unwilling party of the
parish from any particular inspection of their minister, their
HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 33
able willing party would augment their several proportions,
and endeavour to maintain him." The Presbytery, however,
would not agree to the proposal. Mr. Patton, in conjunction
with Mr. Gowan, of Antrim, was sent to Dublin in 1679 to
satisfy Government that the Presbyterians in the North did
not approve of the proceedings of the Scotch Covenanters,
then just defeated at Both well Bridge. But, about this time,
the famous Willie Gilliland, who was at the battle of
Bothwell Bridge, had taken refuge in Glenwherry, and was
hunted from place to place by the troopers stationed at
Carrickfergus. Mr. Patton died shortly after his return
from Dublin. His successor was Thomas Tuft, who was
ordained here on December 7th, 1681. He died in December,
1713. He had previously become infirm; and Mr. Thomas
Wilson, a licentiate of the Presbytery of Kircaldy, was
ordained here as his assistant and successor on the 27th of
February, 1711. In 1725 Mr. Wilson joined the Presbytery
of Antrim. He was degraded in 1757. Among his succes-
sors, who were connected with the Presbytery of Antrim,
were Mr. Futt Marshall, who was ordained in 1785, and who
died in 1813. He was succeeded by Mr. Heron, who was
ordained here on the 21st December, 1813. The next
minister was Mr. John Hall, who was ordained here on the
5th September, 1839. Meanwhile, a number of people in the
place still adhered to Orthodoxy. In February, 1856, a
memorial from certain inhabitants of Ballyclare and its
vicinity, praying to be erected into a congregation, was pre-
sented to the Presbytery of Carrickfergus ; and the General
Assembly of the same year granted this request. On the
5th of March, 1857, Mr. Eobert M'Cully was ordained to the
pastoral charge. On the 2nd of May, 1865, Mr. M'Cully
resigned, on his designation as a missionary to Australia ;
and on the 8th March, 1866, Mr. Ebenezer M. Legate was
ordained as minister.
BALLYE ASTON 1st.
This congregation at first formed a j^art of Ballyclare.
In August, 1672, the people of Glenwherry applied for
privileges to the Presbytery, and they were then advised to
join themselves to some neighbouring congregation. In the
following month they annexed themselves to Ballyclare, and
Mr. Paton, the minister of that place, took charge of them.
34 HISTOEY OF CONGREGATIONS.
In the interval between 1676 and 1681, Ballyeaston was
erected into a separate congregation, and the first stated
minister was Mr. "William Adair, son of Patrick Adair of
Belfast. Mr. Adair was ordained here December 7th, 1681.
In November, 1690, the Synod removed him to Antrim. The
next minister was Stafford Pettigrew, who was ordained
January 11th, 1699. Shortly after his ordination he was
tried for a violation of the Seventh Commandment, but
unanimously acquitted. He died March 28th, 1718, aged
forty-four years. The next minister was Timothy White,
"who was ordained here by the Presbytery of Antrim August
8th, 1723. In 1749 he was removed to Loughbrickland.
The next minister was William Montgomery, ordained here
July 27th, 1758. His settlement was preceded by much
disputing, but he was an eminently peaceful and worthy
minister. He died April 24th, 1809, aged seventy-nine
years, leaving a widow and family. On his demise, there
was again much disputing with respect to a successor, and at
length Mr. S. H. Elder, son of the Rev. James Elder, of
Finvoy, was ordained June 22nd, 1813. Mr. Elder died
February 21st, 1821. The next minister was William J.
Raphael, ordained here September 25th, 1821. Mr. Raphael
died on the 5th of August, 1865, and was succeeded by Mr.
William Youug, who was ordained here on the 30th of
March, 1866. On receiving a call from Manchester, Mr.
Young resigned this charge on the 29th of May, 1877; and
was succeeded by Mr. William John M'Cracken, who was
installed here on the 17th of Aj)ril, 1878.
BALLYGAWLEY.
In 1829 this congregation was divided from Aughnacloy,
with which it had been formerly connected as a joint charge.
The first minister was Mr. David Cochrane, who was ordained
by the Presbytery of Clogher on the 30th of November, 1830.
On the 15th of May, 1837, he was suspended for intemperance.
Soon afterwards, that is, on the 1st of August, 1837, he
resigned all connection with the congregation and j^resbytery.
He was succeeded by the Rev. W. Freeland, formerly minister
of Kingstown, who was installed here on the 16th of April,
1838. Dr. Freeland resigned the charge of this congregation
on the 8th of July, 1841 ; and on the 18th of October, 1842,
Mr. John Steel Dickson was ordained to the pastoral charge.
HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 35
Mr. Dickson resigned tliis charge on the 1st of March, 1844,
on his removal to Ballysillan ; and on the 24th of September,
1844, Mr. William Ferguson was ordained to it. Mr.
Ferguson died on the 9th of December, 1859 ; and on the
27th of March, 1860, Mr. John M'Bride was ordained as
minister of this congregation. Mr. M'Bride's health soon
gave way ; and in July, 1862, the Assembly granted leave to
his congregation to choose an assistant and successor. Mr.
M'Bride died on the 23rd of June, 1863 ; and on the 26th of
January, 1864, Mr. William Ross Hamilton was ordained to
this charge. Dr. Hamilton resigned the charge of the con-
gregation on the 18th of March, 1872, on his removal to
Galway ; and on the 28th of May of the same year the Rev.
David Gordon Smyth Avas installed minister here.
BALLYGOWAN.
This congregation was erected by the Presbytery of Belfast
in 1837. Its first minister was Mr. John Gamble, who was
ordained here on the 23rd of August, 1838. Mr. Gamble
died on the 8th of January, 1854, and was succeeded by Mr.
Thomas Shaw Woods, who was ordained here on the 28th of
September of the same year.
BAXLYGRAINEY.
This congregation was erected by the Presbytery of Bangor
in 1837. Its first minister was Mr. J. R. M'Alister, who
was ordained hei'e on the 20th of February, 1838. He
resigned this charge on the 20th of May, 1838, and removed
to Armagh. He was succeeded by Mr. Samuel Blaii*, who
was ordained here on the 29th of November of the same
year. On the 31st of December, 1844, Mr. Blair resigned
the charge, having accepted a call from the congregation of
Sorbie in the Free Church of Scotland ; and was succeeded
by Mr. Samuel Megaw, who was ordained here on the 19th
of August, 1845. On the 2nd of April, 1861, Mr. Megaw
was degraded for immorality ; and was succeeded by Mr.
William Clarke, who was ordained here on the 3rd of
September, 1861. On the 29th of June, 1876, Mr. Clarke
resigned this charge, having accepted a call from the congre-
gation of Burt ; and was succeeded by Mr. S. W. Morrison,
who was ordained here on the 28th of March, 1877.
36 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.
BALLY JAME SDUFF.
It is believed that Mr. Nathaniel Glasgow, wlio had been
ordained to go to America in 1 719, was installed here by the
Presbytery of Monaghan on the 3rd February, 1721. He
resigned his congregation and removed to Fintona in 1732.
The place of worship is said to have been originally at Old-
castle, where Mr. James Hamilton was installed by the
Presbytery of Monaghan on the 15th of May, 1733. He had
l^reviously been minister of Killyshandra. He died here in
August, 1756. In 1757 Lord Farnham wrote to the Synod
on behalf of the congregation.* Some time afterwards Mr.
William Sprot was installed here. The installation took
place on the 16th of May, 1759. He died on the 20th of
Aj^ril, 1789, leaving a widow and family. The next minister
was Mr. Samuel Kennedy, who was ordained here by the
Presbytery of Monaghan on the 4th of March, 1790. Be-
coming infirm, Mr. John King was ordained as his assistant
and successor on the 3rd of May, 1826. In 1833 Mr. King
resigned this charge, and removed to the newly-erected
congregation of Bellasis. He was succeeded by Mr. Hutchin-
son Perry, who was ordained here as assistant and successor
to Mr. Kennedy on the 8th of October, 1834. On the 6th of
November, 1836, Mr. Periy resigned this charge and removed
to Raws, near Castlefiu. He was succeeded by Mr. Hugh
Eobert Gilchrist, who was ordained here on the 17th of May,
1837. In June, 1837, Mr. Gilchrist resigned the charge, and
emigrated to Austi'alia. He was succeeded by Mr. Hugh
Pollock, who was ordained here on the 6th of December,
1837. In the month of December, 1838, he was suspended
by the Presbytery of Cavan ; and by the Synod of Ulster in
1839 he was disannexed from the congregation. He after-
wards went to America. The next minister was Mr. William
Hamilton, formerly of Killeter, who was installed here on
the 24th of December, 1839. He resigned the charge on the
6th of April, 1840, and removed to Edenderry. He was
succeeded by Mr. John Ritchie, who was ordained here on
the 30th of September, 1840, as the sixth assistant and suc-
cessor to Mr. Kennedy. Mr. Kennedy died on the 12th of
June, 1842. Mr. Ritchie died on the 10th of March, 1855.
* The Farnham family have long exhibited a kindly feeling to the
Irish Presbyterian Church. The late Lord Farnham, at the time of
Disestablishment in 1870, was very bountifr^ to it.
HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 37
He was succeeded by Mr. William Hogg, wlio was installed
here on the 30tli of May, 1856. Mr. Hogg, having been
appointed a missionary to New Zealand, resigned this charge
on the 21st of July, 1863. On the 11th of the following
December Mr. Robert H. Clarke was invested with the
pastoral charge. Mr. Clarke died on the 20th of February,
1883 ; and was succeeded by Mr. Robert H. Boyd, who was
ordained here on the 1st of August, 1884.
BALLYKELLY.
The earliest minister of whom we have any notice here
was Mr. William Crooks. He appears to have been ordained
in this congregation about 1665. He was in Derry during
the siege, and afterwards returned to Ballykelly, where he
continued till his death, in 1699. The next minister was
Mr. John Stirling, who was ordained in 1701. Mr. Stirling
died in this charge January 21st, 1752, and was succeeded
by Mr. John Haslett, ordained here by the Presbytery of
Derry, April 21st, 1752. He left his congregation about the
year 1757, and settled at Bandon, in the south of the kingdom.
He was succeeded here by Mr. John Nelson, who was ordained
October 5th, 1762. Mr. Nelson appears to have been at
heart a Unitarian ; but he contrived for a time so to gloss over
his creed that it could not be well detected, acting upon the
principle of Erasmus, " to think with the wise and speak
with the vulgar." But his wisdom only proved to be
Jesuitism, and the people of Ballykelly soon found that his
preaching was quite unprofitable. The Synod of Ulster "at
the time was in a very lukewarm condition, and gave them
little encouragement when they remonstrated against the
doctrine of their minister ; so that they were obliged to take
up the matter earnestly themselves, and they quickly made
the place too hot for their false shepherd. Mr. Nelson was
accordingly obliged to demit the charge in the year 1765,
and soon afterwards published a pamphlet, in which he
appeared in his true colours. He was succeeded by Mr.
Benjamin M'Dowel (afterwards (D.D.), one of the most
eminent ministers ever connected with the Presbyterian
Church in Ireland. Mr. M'Dowel was ordained here on the
2nd of September, 1766. In July, 1778, he was removed to
Mary's Abbey, Dublin. The congregation was now annexed
to the Presbytery of Route, and Mr. Robert Rentoul,
38 HISTOKY OF CONGEEGATIOKS.
formerly minister of Lurgan, was installed here October 3rd,
1779. Becoming infirm, on the 22nd of December, 1822, the
people gave a unanimous call to Mr. Richard Dill, formerly
minister of Drumachose ; but the Presbytery of Route
refusing to sustain it, the Synod of Ulster, in 1823, removed
the congregation at their own request to the Presbytery of
Derry, and Mr. Dill was installed October 9th, 1823. Mr.
Rentoul died November 1st, 1824, leaving a widow and
family. During Mr. Dill's ministry the present large and
excellent church was erected at Ballykelly, at the expense
of the Fishmongers' Company — an act commemorated in an
inscription on an elegant marble tablet, placed in a con-
spicuous position behind the pulpit. The erection of Bally-
kelly Meeting-house, gave an impulse to the cause of
ecclesiastical architecture among the Presbyterians of the
North of Ireland. Mr. Dill died 17th Dec, 1854, and was
succeeded by Mr. Thomas Y. Killen, formerly minister of 3rd
Ramelton, who was installed here by a commission of the
Assembly, March 31st, 1857. Receiving a call from Duucairn,
Belfast, Mr. Killen (now D.D.) resigned this charge on the
27th of January, 1862, and was succeeded by Mr. William
Charles Robinson, formerly of Ramelton, who was installed
here on the 27th of March, 1862.
BALLYLENNON.
Ballylennon is halfway between Raphoe and St. Johnston.
The people of the district, most of whom are Presbyterians,
had long felt the inconvenience of being so remote from a
house of worship — being about three Irish miles distant from
either of the places just mentioned. Nearly sixty years ago
they began to think of obtaining more accessible church
accommodation ; but there were adherents of the Secession
Synod as well as of the Synod of Ulster in the locality ;
and the rivalry of these two bodies created considerable
difficulty. The Seceders, however, first occupied the ground ;
and in October, 1829, Mr. John Lecky was ordained here as
minister of the Secession Chui'ch. A house of worship was
soon erected ; but, not long afterwards, another made its
appearance in its immediate neighbourhood on the opposite
side of the road, built by the adherents of the Synod of
Ulster. On the 10th of February, 1835, Mr. George Hanson
was ordained to the pastoral charge of the second congregation.
HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 39
Messrs. Lecky aud Hanson both reached old age; and,
in the course of nature, both required assistance in the
performance of their pastoral functions. Meanwhile the
Secession Synod and the Synod of Ulster were united in the
General Assembly, and the two congregations, which had
all along been comparatively weak, very wisely resolved on
incorporation. At this time Mr. Lecky had a son in the
ministry ; the people of both congregations had known him
from his childhood ; but he was now settled at Armagh-
bi-ague. They agi-eed, however, to give him a call to his
native place; and on the 5th of December, 1878, Mr.
Alexander G. Lecky was installed as pastor of the united
congregation of Ballylennon. Mr. John Lecky died towards
the close of 1885.
BALLYMENA 1st.
The first pastor who ministered to the Pi'esbyterians of
Ballymena was the Eev. Geo. Dunbar, minister of Ayr, in
Scotland. Banished from that kingdom for his attachment
to the cause of Presbyterianism, he took the charge of this
congregation about 1627, but removed to Lame a few years
after. He was subsequently deposed by Lesly, Bishop of
Down and Connor, in 1636, when he returned to Scotland, and
became minister of Calder, where he died in 1638. From his
removal till after the rebellion of 1641 no Presbyterian
minister had liberty to officiate here. The first minister who
was statedly ordained by a Presbytery to this charge was the
Eev. David Buttle, ordained in 1645 ; he was imprisoned for his
loyalty by the Republican authorities in 1650, but soon after
released ; he was deposed by Jeremy Taylor, Bishop of Down
and Connor, in 1661, for refusing to conform to Prelacy, but
continued to minister privately to this people till his death
about the year 1665. He was succeeded by the Rev. Adam
Getty, ordained about 1666, who died in 1675. The Rev.
Jas. Pitcairn, licensed by the Presbytery of St. Andrews, in
Scotland, was ordained to this charge in 1676, but he returned
to Scotland in 1687, and having accepted a parish there, he
demitted his charge of this congregation in 1689. The
Rev. Joshua Fisher, previously minister of Minterburu, near
Armagh, was installed here in 1689, and was removed by the
Synod to the congregation of Donoughmore, in Donegall, in
1694, where he died in 1696. The Rev. Thos. Leech, ordained
40 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.
here in the month of April, 1698, died September 10th, 1738.
The Rev. John Brown ordained as assistant and successor to
Mr. Leech, September 21st, 1737, died June 6th, 1771. The
Eev. John Lindsay ordained as assistant and successor to Mr.
Brown, May 28th, 1771, died May 17th, 1795. The Rev.
Wm. Hamilton, ordained June 21st, 1796, died January 15th,
1811. The Rev. William Wauhope, ordained June 23rd, 1812.
died January 20th, 1837. The Rev. Henry Jackson Dobbin
(afterwards D.D.), previously minister of Hillsborough,
was installed hei-e June 20th, 1837. Dr. Dobbin died on
the 16th of April, 1863, and was succeeded by Mr. Samuel
M. Dill (afterwards D.D.), who was installed here on the
27tli of September, 1863. On his appointment as Professor
of Theology in Magee College, Dr. Dill resigned this charge
on the 9th of October 1865 ; and was succeeded by Mr. William
Park, who was ordained here on the 25th September, 1866.
On receiving a call from Rosemary Street Church, Belfast,
Mr. Park resigned this charge on the 29th of July, 1873 ;
and was succeeded by Mr. S. M. Dill who was installed as
pastor on the 7th of May, 1874. On receiving a call from
Ayrshire Mr. Dill resigned this charge on the 19th of April,
1881 ; and was succeeded by Mr. George Hanson, who was
ordained hei'e on the 4th of October, 1881.
THE HIGH KIRK, or BALLYMENA 2nd.
This congregation originated in connection with the
Secession Church in June, 1798. There were two congrega-
tions ministered to by the one pastor. One of these churches
was known as the Moor Meeting House, j)arish of Kirkinriola,
some two miles from Ballymena ; the other was erected in
the neighbourhood of Broughshane, in the Braid district.
The first minister was a Mr. Carmichael. After him there
seems to have been an interruption in the ministry. He
was succeeded by a Mr. Wilson. In the year 1819 the Rev.
William Campbell, A.M., a licentiate of the Donegal Presby-
tery, was ordained pastor. He continued to preach alternately
in the two places of worshij^ for three years, when the service
at Broughshane was discontinued. On the 14th May, 1823,
workmen commenced to take down the old church in the
parish of Kirkinriola ; a new site was selected in High
Street, Ballymena, and on this a church and manse were
erected. The church was opened for public worship on the
HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 41
4tli April, 1824, by the Eey. William Carr, Belfast. This
being the second Presbyterian church erected in Bally-
mena, it was afterwards known as such. From the year 1840
it was connected with the Ahoghill Presbytery, but the
General Assembly in 1875 transferred it to the Ballymena
Presbytery. It is licensed for man-iages as the High Kirk,
Ballymena. Mr. Campbell died on the 26th of January, 1872 ;
and on the 26th of March of the same year Mr. David
M'Meekin, a licentiate of the Ballymena Presbytery, was
ordained to the j^astoral charge, and the congregation has
much improved under him. When opened for worship in
1824 the eldership consisted of Messi's. John G-regg, George
Dugan, Andrew Thomjison, John Eaton, ISTathaniel Grant,
Robert Smyth, and Matthew Montgomery. With the
exception of Robert Smyth these are all long since dead.
The elders at present in office are Messrs. Matthew Eaton,
William R. Thompson, John Thompson, Samuel Millar,
William Erwin, Thomas Eaton, Quintin O'Hara, and James
King.
BALLYMENA WEST CHURCH.
Little more than fifty years ago, there was only one
Presbyterian Congregation in Ballymena. About two miles
from the town, towards the north-west, there was, as
already stated, a small meeting-house connected with the
Secession Church, which stood upon a piece of naked
moorland, but was frequented by few worshippers. As the
town was increasing, the difficulty of obtaining accommodation
in its only Presbyterian Church was more and more felt : and it
occurred to the seceding minister that he would considerably
improve his position could he remove into it what was then
commonly known as the Moor Meeting-lunise. Having 2)ro-
cured a site and obtained subscrij)tions from sundry of the
town's people and others, he successfully accomplished this
object : and thus it was that what is now the Second Presby-
terian Church was erected in Ballymena. But the Secession
Church was not very popular in that locality : and many who
wanted church accommodation did not care to connect them-
selves with the transplanted building. About 1827 a number
of persons of this description, associated with others, signed
a memorial addressed to the Presbytery pi'aying for the
erection of a new congregation in connection with the Synod
of Ulster. This petition did not meet with much encourage-
42 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.
ment from some members of tlie court to wliicli it was
presented : and one venerable minister pleaded that, accord-
ing to an old Synodical law, no new meeting-house could be
built within two miles of another already in existence ! But
the Rev. Robert Stewart, of Broughshane, who was then a
leader in the Presbytery, and who was well aware of the want
of another place of worship, easily removed this difficulty : and
in due time leave was granted for the building of a new meet-
ing-house. Though the edifice, which thus originated in
Wellington Street, was considerably more capacious than the
old Presbyterian Chui'ch, it was soon found to be not more
than sufficient to meet the demands of the applicants for pews.
On the 6th of April, 1830, the Rev. Alexander Patterson, who
had previously been minister of Clontibret, was installed as
the first pastor. Mr. Patterson laboured here with much
acceptance and diligence for seventeen years : but early in
the Summer of 1847 he fell a victim, in the prime of life, to
fever caught in the discharge of his professional duty. He
was succeeded by the Rev. James M'Keown, a young minister
of much ability who was ordained here on the 14th of March,
1848. Mr. M'Keo-wn commenced his pastoral career most
auspiciously : but he had occupied his position somewhat less
than two years when he too fell a victim to fever. He died
on the 8th January, 1850. He was succeeded by the Rev.
Samuel J. Moore, who had formerly been minister of
Donoughmore, and who was installed here on the 24th
September, 1850. A few years ago the congregation re-
solved on the erection of a new Church ; many contributed
most liberally to the object ; and in due time what is now
known as the West Church was opened for worship. Mr.
Moore died on the 8th of April, 1876 ; and was succeeded by
Mr. Edward F. Simpson, formerly minister of Lislooney,
who was installed here on the 3rd of October, 1876.
BALLYMENA, WELLINGTON STREET.
A NUMBER of the people hitherto connected with the 3rd
congi'egation declined to remove to West Church ; and
those who thus adhei'ed to the former building in
Wellington Street were recognised by the Assembly as
a congregation. On the 31st of March, 1863, the Rev.
William Macloy was ordained as their minister. Thus
Bally mena which in 1820 had only one Presbyterian Church,
HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 43:
has now no less tlian four, three of which are each much
more capacious than the solitary edifice then in existence.
Mr. M'Cloy resigned this charge on the 9th of August,,
1881, on his acceptance of a call from a Free Church in
Paisley ; and was succeeded by Mr. William John M'Caughau,
who was ordained here on the 1st of January, 1884. Mr.
M'Caughan, on receiving a call to Mount Pottinger Church,
Belfast, resigned this charge about the close of 1885.
BALLYMOATE.
This congregation appears to have been erected in 1759.
It then consisted of fifteen families. It became a part of
Sligo congregation about 1760. In 1822 the people applied
to the Synod of Ulster to be erected into a separate charge ;
but the consideration of the subject was defen-ed in con-
sequence of the non-attendance of Commissioners, and the
absence of Mr. Scott the minister of Sligo and Ballymoate.
The application was granted in the following year. Mr.
Jacob Scott then resigned the charge of Sligo, and was ap-
pointed to labour exclusively in Ballymoate. In 1828 Mr.
Scott was deposed from the ministry. The congregation was
then put under the care of a committee of Synod, and Mr.
James Fleming was ordained here on the 22nd of Januarv,
1829. Mr. Fleming died on the 8th of May, 1850, and on
the 9th of October of the same year, Mr. John Dewart was
ordained to the pastoral charge and also as missionary to the
surrounding district. At the Assembly of 1885, Mr. Dewart
obtained leave for his congregation to choose an assistant
and successor.
BALLYMONEY 1st.
The first minister here was Mr. Ker. His settlement was
opposed by Mr. Stewart, of Ballintoy, who had some interest
here. Mr. Ker was supjDorted by the majority of the people;
but Mr. Stewart appealed to the Parliamentary Commissioners,
and they referred the case to the Presbytery. He was ulti-
mately settled about the end of the year 1646. In April,
1649, Mr. Ker refused to join in the Pi-esbytery's protest
against the murder of Charles I., and took part with the
Republicans and Independents. He was in consequence
suspended by the Presbytery for some time; but upon owning
44 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.
his errors, lie was afterwards restored. At tlie Restoration
in 1660, he was deposed by Jeremy Taylor, bishop of Down
and Connor. He now passed over to Scotland where he died
not long after. Ballymoney was without a minister in 1671.
It was supplied for a time by David Houston ; but he was
suspended by the Presbytery in 1672 for irregular and insu-
bordinate conduct.* This suspension caused a great division
in the congregation, part adhering to Houston, and part to
the Presbytery. We hear nothing farther of Ballymoney
for some time. It was again vacant in 1688. In April,
1692, the people applied to the Synod of Ulster for advice
about a minister, David Boyd and Robert Love being their
commissioners. In 1693, the Synod transferred Mr. Hugh
Kirkpatrick from Lurgan to this congregation ; but he being
iu Scotland, whei'e he had fled at the Revolution, did not
come over to his new charge till 1695. Mr. Kirkpatrick was
Moderator of Synod in 1699. He was father to the Rev. Dr.
James Kirkpatrick, aftei'wards of Belfast, the author of
" Presbyterian Loyaltv." Mr. Hugh Kirkpatrick died in
April, 1712. In 1714,"'the Sub-Synod of Derry divided this
cougregation, deeming it too large for one minister, taking
from it 20 quarter-lands, of which 14 were annexed to
Kilraughts, and 6 to Derrykihan, or Dervock. Of this
dismemberment the people complained to the Synod in 1715,
and stated their willingness rather to support two ministers
than have their congregation divided. It was accordingly
declared a collegiate charge, and appointed to pay d835 and 10
bolls of oats yearly to each minister, and to provide convenient
farms : but, on failing to give security for this, the order of
the Derry Sub-Synod was to take effect. On reconsidering
the matter, the jjeople gave up the idea of becoming a
collegiate charge, and consequently lost the 20 quarter-
lands. They then obtained as minister Mr. Robert
M'Bride, son of the Rev. Mr. M'Bride, of Belfast, the
author of "A Sample of Jet Black Prelatic Calumny."
Mr. M'Bride was ordained here on the 26th September,
1716. He died September 2nd, 1759, aged 73. In
1753, having become infirm, Messrs. John Thompson and
Grabriel Todd, as commissioners from the congregation,
supplicated the Synod to grant them supplies with a view to
obtaining an assistant to Mr. M'Bride. They now obtained
* Mr. Houston held the principles of the Cameronians ; and was a
somewhat turbulent and unsteady character.
HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 45
as assistant Mx*. Robert Smylie, who was ordaiued here in
1759, and died in this charge on the 31st of August, 1768,
aged 35. The next minister was Mr. Alexander Marshall,
who was ordained here by the Px-esbyterv of Route, on the
18th of August, 1772. He died on the lOth of April, 1799,
aged 50. In 1800 the congregation was annexed to the
Px'esbytery of Ballymena, with which it i-emained long
connected. The next minister was Mr. Benjamin Mitchell,
who was ordained hex*e by the Presbytei'y of Ballymena, on
the 12th of Novexnber, 1800. Mr. Mitchell resigned the charge
on the 9th of May, 1815, and died in the month of August
following. He was succeeded by Mr. Robert Park, who was
ox-dained hex-e on the 18th of March, 1817. Becoxning ixifirm,
Mr. Park obtained as his assistant Mr. Alexander Patton,
who was ordained hex*e on the 5th of Novexnber, 1866. Mx*.
Park died on the 10th of May, 1876, after a ministx-y of 59
years, during 35 of which he had acted as clerk to the
Genex'al Assembly. Mr. Patton, on receiving a call from the
congregation of 1st Bangor, x'esigned this charge in 1879,
and was succeeded by Mr. Nathaniel Ross, who was ox-dained
hex-e on the 25th of November of the same year. Mr. Ross
x-esigned the chax-ge on the 24th of Apx-il, 1882, and was
succeeded by Mr. J. D. Osborne, Avho was ordained here on
the 8th of Novexnber, 1882.*
BALLYNAHINCH 1st.
The first minister noticed in this parish was Mr. William
Reid, ordained hex-e by the Presbytery of Down, July 14th,
1696. His successor was Mx-. Henry Livingston, son of Mx-.
Henx-y Livingston, minister of Dx-uxnbo.f He was ordained
hex-e Apx-il 16th, 1704, as assistant and successor to Mr. Reid,
who died May 7th, 1708. The next minister was Mr. James
M' Alpine, fox-mex-ly of Killyleagh Castle, who was installed
hex-e March 20th, 1714. He died in this charge October 27th,
1732. His successor was Mr. Alexander Maclaine, son of
Mr. Archibald Maclaine, of Markethill, and uncle to the
* There are now three congregations connected with the General
Assembly in BallymoDey.
t Mr. Livingston was descended from the fir^t Lord Livingston of
Scotland ; and from him the late John Barnett, D.D., of Moneymore,
was lineally descended.
46 HISTOKY OF CONGREGATIONS.
celebrated Dr. Archibald Maclaine, the translator of Mosheini's
Ecclesiastical History. Mr. Maclaine was ordained here by
the Presbytery of Killyleagh, August 18th, 1735. A consider-
able party, amounting to about 120, were dissatisfied with this
election, and applied by their Commissioners, Mr. Alexander
Holmes and others, to be ex-ected into a separate congrega-
tion ; but this was refused by the Synod in 1736. Mr.
Maclaine removed to Antrim in 1742. The next minister
was Mr. John Strong, who was ordained by the Presbytery of
Killyleagh, October 10th, 1744. Mr. Strong died August
10th, 1780, and was succeeded by Mr. John M'Clelland,
ordained here by the Presbytery of Dromore, October 21st,
1783. Becoming infirm, his son, Mr. James M'Clelland, was
ordained his assistant and successor August 25th, 1812.
Mr. M'Clelland, senior, died March 5th, 1818, and his son
resigned through ill health in 1829. In consequence of
disputes respecting the choice of a minister, the congregation
■was put under the care of a committee of Synod in 1831 ;
and by this committee Mr. John Shaw, formerly minister of
Ballinderry, was installed here August 10th, 1831. Mr.
Shaw died on the 29th of March, 1870, and was succeeded by
Mr. John M'llveen, who was ordained here on the 27th of
December of the same year. Mr. M'llveen, on his removal
to 1st Lurgan, resigned this charge on the 25th of February,
1879 ; and was succeeded by Mr. John Boyd, who was
ordained here on the 3rd of February, 1880.
BALLTNURE.
There was a congregation at Raloo in the neighbourhood
of Ballynure, long before there was a congregation in Bally-
nure itself. The Presbytery in 1659 jjermitted the people of
Ealoo to choose a minister ; but the Restoration which
immediately followed, defeated this design for a time. At
length in November, 1671, the year before the first grant of
JRegium Bonum was made, the Presbytery was again applied
to. The people now requested that Mr. Robert Kelso should
be settled among them as their pastor, and that the people
of Glynn should be added to their congregation. This latter
point being refused by the Presbytery, the people agreed to
support a minister themselves, and Mr. Kelso was ordained
at Larne, on the 7th of May, 1673. Mr. Jo. Anderson of
HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 47
Glenarni preacliecl and presided on this occasion. The
oi-diuation was private, as at that time the ministers subjected
themselves to heavy penalties by performing it. This also
■was the reason why it took place not at Raloo, but at Larne.
lu the June following, John Blair and Alexander Dunlop,
elders, attended the Presbytery and in the name of the con-
gregation publicly accepted Mr. Kelso as their minister. In
April, 1674, however, after varioiis ineffectual attempts to
secure a sufficient maintenance for Mr. Kelso, the congrega-
tion acknowledged themselves unable to support a minister ;
and the Presbytery at his desire accordingly loosed Mr.
Kelso from his charge. He was subsequently settled, first
at Wicklow, and then at Enniskillen. No farther attempts
Avere made for upwards of a century and a half to establish
a congregation at Ealoo. But in 1722 Mr. Andrew Lorimer
and other commissioners presented a petition to the Synod of
Ulster praying to have Ballynure erected into a separate
congregation. The apjjlication was oj^posed on the j^art of
Ballyclare ; but was, notwithstanding, granted. Mr. JSTevin
and Mr. Michael Bruce protested against this decision. The
final settlement of the separation was referred to the next
Synod. The people then offered <£oO yearly stipend to a
minister, and stated that they had scruples to live under the
uon-subscribing minister at Ballyclare as one reason why
they wished a separation. In 1747, David Archibald the
commissioner from this congregation, represented to the
Synod that as Mr. Clotworthy Brown had been transferred
from Ballinderry to them, they think he may be continued
their minister without being formally installed. The reason
of this seems to have been that Mr. Brown had some scruples
about subscribing the Westminster Confession of Paith.
Another part of the congregation, by their commissioner,
James Scott, represented it as the desire of a great number
there, that Mr. Brown should be installed. The Synod
decided that the Presbytery of Temjilepatrick should install
Mr. Brown as soon as convenient, but in the following year
the Presbytery reported that they had not installed Mr.
Brown, he having joined the nou subscribing Presbytery of
Antrim, and having been installed by them. Mr. Bi'own was
afterwards removed to Belfast as a minister of the first con-
gregation where he died on the 19th of May, 1755. The
next minister of Ballynure was Mr. William Eodgers, who
had before been minister of the second congregation of
48 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.
Holywood. Mr. Rodgers was installed here by tlie Presbytery
of Templepatrick, December 10th, 1751. Mr. Rogers grow-
ing infirm, Mr. Adam Hill who had been ordained by the
Presbytery of Route for America, was installed here on the
16th of August, 1785. Mr. Rogers died April 29th, 1786.
Mr. Hill becoming infirm, Mr. James Whiteside M'Gay was
ordained his assistant on the 21st of December, 1826. Mr.
Hill died on the 21st of July, 1827, leaving a family ; Mr.
M'Cay died on the 15th of October, 1847 ; and on the 28th
of March, 1848, Mr. Samuel Alexander Hamilton was ordained
to this charge. Mr. Hamilton resigned the charge on the 1st
of July, 1859 ; and emigrated to Australia. On the 26th of
September of the same year, Mr. A. R. B. M'Cay, son of the
foi-mer minister, was ordained to the charge. Mr. M'Cay
resigned on the 2nd of May, 1865, and also emigrated to
Australia ;* and on the 31st of March, 1866, Mr. William
Kerr was ordained to the pastoral charge.
BALLYRASHANE 1st.
A minister appears to have been settled here nearly a year
before the death of Oliver Cromwell. We read of the
ordination of Mr. Robert Hogsyard, or Hodgeheard, at Bally-
rashane, in October, 1657. He was deposed for non-
conformity in 1661, but nothing is known of his after history.
He was succeeded by Mr. Thomas Harvey, who was licensed by
the Presbytery of Antrim, and ordained to the charge of this
congregation by the Presbytery of Route, towards the end of
the year 1673. He retired to Scotland at the Revolution ;
but, in May, 1690, he signified his willingness to return to
his flock, and probably did so. We find Mr. Thomas Elder
ordained on the 5th of October, 1700. Mr. Elder demitted
his charge in 1704, and removed to Scotland. He would
appear to have afterwards settled at Kilmore, County Down.
The next minister was Mr. Henry Neill, who was ordained
here on the 25th of July, 1709. He died in this charge on
the 10th of March, 1745. He was succeeded by Mr. Samuel
Buys, who was ordained here on the 28th of October, 1746.
* Mr. M'Cay is now minister of Castlemaine, in Victoria. He acted
for a number of years as Professor of Church History for the Australian
Church ; and has meanwhile distinguished himself as one of the ablest
divines in the country.
HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 49
He died in September, 1760, and was succeeded by Mr. John
Logan, who was ordained here on the 24th of November,
1765. Becoming infirm, Mr. James Dunlop was ordained his
assistant and successor in December, 1809. Mr. Logan died
on the 10th of May, 1816, leaving a widow and family. Mr.
Dunlop died on the 16th of November, 1830. He was
succeeded by Mr. John Alexander, who was ordained here on
the 20th of June, 1832. Mr. Alexander was the nephew of
the Rev. James Elder, of Finvoy. Mr. Alexander died on
the 16th of March, 1881, He had previously obtained leave
for his congi'egation to choose an assistant and successor ;
and accordingly on the 28th of September, 1880, Mr. Charles
W. Hunter had been ordained here.
BALLYEONEY.
This congregation was first organised in 1708. It had
formerly been a section of Rathfriland congregation. The
first minister was Mr. James Moor, who was ordained here
on the 25th of August, 1709. Mr. Moor died in this charge
on the 22nd of March, 1738. He was succeeded by Mr.
Eobert Thompson, who was ordained here by the Presbytery
of Armagh on the 14th of May, 1782, as assistant to Mr.
Moor. Mr. Thompson died on the 4th of September, 1743.
The next minister was Mr. Samuel Thompson, who was
ordained here on the 14th of March, 1749, Having become
feeble in intellect, he resigned the charge. The next minister
was Mr. Alexander Wilson, who was ordained here by the
Presbytery of Dromore on the 20th of August, 1751. He
died here on the 8th of May, 1782, leaving a widow and
children. He was succeeded by Mr. William Fletcher, who
was ordained here on the 3rd of June, 1783. He died in this
charge on the 7th of May, 1824, leaving a widow and family.
The next minister was Mr. Alexander Heron, formerly
minister of Portadown, who was installed here on the 15th of
August, 1826, Mr. Heron died on the 17th of November,
1865, He was succeeded by the Rev. William Wylie, who
was ordained here on the 4th of May, 1866. On the 11th of
September, 1879, Mr, Wylie resigned this charge, on his re-
moval to 2nd Larne ; and was succeeded by Mr, William
Shepherd, who was installed here on the 29th of April, 1880,
50 HISTOET OF CONGREGATIONS.
BALLTSHANNON.
A congregation seems to have existed at an early period at
Ballyshannon : but it was long associated with Raneny or
Donegal, the minister preaching two Sabbaths in Raneny and
one in Ballyshannon. This state of things continued until
1834, when Ballyshannon was erected into a separate congre-
gation. The first minister was Mr. J. G. Muri^hj (now Dr.
Murphy, of Assembly's College, Belfast), who was ordained
here by the Presbytery of Raphoe on the 26th of October,
1836. In 1841 Mr. Murphy removed to Belfast, having been
appointed Head Master of the Classical Department in the
Royal Academical Institution. He was succeeded by Mr.
Andrew Lowry, who was ordained here on the 16th of
March, 1842.
BALLY WALTER 1st.
The first minister of Ballywalter was Mr. James.Hamilton,*
nephew to Lord Claneboye, who was ordained here in 1626.
He was deposed by Leslie, Bishop of Down and Connor, in
1636, on which he removed to Scotland, and became minister,
first at Dumfries, and latterly at Edinburgh, where he was
again deposed in 1660, and died shortly after. Ballywalter
continued vacant from 1636 to 1642, when Mr. James Baty,
who had been chaplain to the Lord of Aird's regiment, was
ordained to this charge by the Presbytery of the Scots army,
Mr. Hamilton, their former minister, now sent over by the
General Assembly, presiding on the occasion. Mr. Baty was
imprisoned by Venables in June, 1650, and, shortly after,
either died or fled to Scotland. He was succeeded by Mr.
William Reid, who was deposed, in 1661, by the Bishop of
Down. In 1688, Mr. John Goudy was ordained here. The
charge then included Ballyhalbert and Greyabbey ; and in
1710, the Presbytery of Down ordered a central meeting-
house, for both places, to be built at Ballygin. The Synod
confirmed this sentence, but gave the Presbytery liberty, on
sufiicient grounds, to erect a new congregation out of Bally-
walter, Ballyhalbert, and Greyabbey. Mr. Goudy died in this
charge, March 20th, 1733, aged 78 years. He was succeeded
* It may interest some of our readers to know that Mr. Hamilton,
wlio was one of the most distinguished of the Fathers of the Irish
Presbyterian Church, wore a gown in the pulpit. — Rttd's Hist. I. 104,
HISTOEY OF CONGREGATIONS. 51
by liis son, Mr. Eobert Goiidj, ordained here, April 9tli,
.1 734. Mr. Goudy joined the Presbytery of Antrim, and died,
March loth, 1761. At his death, the congregation returned
to the care of the Bangor Presbytery, which ordained Mr.
James Cochrane here, July 27th, 1762. He died in this
charge, September 22nd, 1802, and was succeeded by Mr.
Andrew Goudy, ordained on the 3rd Tuesday of December
following. He died here December 8th, 1818, leaving a
widow and family. In the end of the year 1819, the congre-
gation called Mr. John Gibson ; but, certain charges being
preferred against him, his ordination was deferred ; and, in
1820, the Synod of Ulster withdrew his license. This led to
a schism in the parish, as the bulk of the people adhered to
Mr. Gibson, who was ordained irregularly, and continued to
preach here till his death, in May, 1861. In 1844, Mr. Gibson
applied for admission to the General Assembly; and, as
circumstances had arisen tending to invalidate the testimony
on which he was condemned, he was, in that year, regularly
ordained in Ballywalter, by a Commission appointed for the
purpose. Mr. Gibson becoming infirm, Mr. Henry Gamble
became his assistant. Mr. Gibson died on the 13th of May,
1861, and Mr. Gamble was ordained, shortly afterwards, his
successor. On the withdrawal of Mr. Gibson from the
Synod of Ulster, in 1820, a portion of the people left him ;
and, over this minority, Mr. John Templeton was ordained
pastor in March, 1821. Mr. Templeton died in August, 1856,
and was succeeded by Mr. David Hill M'Murtry, who was
ordained here, on the 31st of March, 1857. Mr". M'Murtry
resigned the congregation on the 1st of April, 1859 ; and on
the 16th of August of the same year, Mr. Samuel Edgar
Brown was ordained to the pastoral charge. In 1861, Mr.
Brown removed to Athlone, and was succeeded by Mr. David
Magill, LL.D., who was installed here on the 19th of
February, 1862. Dr. Magill has recently retired from the
discharge of the active duties of the ministiy.
BALLTWALTEE 2nd.
The histoiy of this congregation is, to a great extent given
in the preceding article. Mr, Gamble * resigned this charge on
* Mr. Gamble died in the prime of life. His widow has since been
distinguished as the munificent benefactress of the Assembly's College,
Belfast, in which he was educated.
52 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.
the 6tli of September, 1865 ; and was succeeded, by Mr. David
M'Kee, who was installed here on the 6th of March, 1866.
Mr. M'Kee resigned the charge on the 5th of January, 1869,
having received a call from Dublin, and was succeeded by
Mr. John Eogers who was ordained here on the 3rd of Jime,
1869.
BALLTWILLAN.
Tradition reports that Gabriel Cornwall was one of the
first ministers of this congregation. He preached in the
parish church, and was ejected at the Restoration. He is
mentioned by Livingstone as having been here in 1656. We
read subsequently of the ordination of Mr. William Houston
here in 1700. He died in this charge on the 6th of May,
1721. Meanwhile Mr. James Thompson was ordained here
on the 5th of May, 1718, as assistant and successor. Mr.
Thompson died on the 25th of January, 1747. He was
succeeded by Mr. Hugh Gaston, who was ordained here on
the 23rd of February, 1748. Mr. Gaston died here on the
15th of October, 1766. He is well-known as the author of a
work first published in 1763, under the title of "A Scripture
Account of the Faith and Practice of Christians, consisting
of large collections of jjertinent texts of Scripture upon the
sundry articles of Revealed Religion." This vei'y useful work
has passed through various editions, and is commended by
Hartwell Home in his "Introduction to the Critical Study
and knowledge of the Holy Scriptures." Mr. Gaston left a
widow who died in 1823, having enjoyed the Widows' Fund
of the Synod of Ulster no less than 57 years. He was
succeeded as minister of Ballywillan, by Mr. John Abernethy,
who was ordained here on the 15th of August, 1769. Mr.
Abernethy removed to Templepatrick in August, 1774, and
was succeeded in Ballywillan by Mr. Robert Thompson who
was ordained here on the 23rd of April, 1779. Becoming
infirm, Mr. James Huey was ordained here as his assistant
and successor on the 1st of December, 1812. Mr. Thompson
died on the 10th of July, 1815. Mr. Huey died on the 20th
of Januai*y, 1862* ; and on the 24th of June of the same year
Mr. Matthew Woodburn was ordained to the pastoral charge.
* John Henry Huey, Esq., J. P., of Clonaven, Coleraine, is the son
of this minister.
HISTOKY OF CONGREGATIONS. 53
Mr. Woodburn died on the 28tli of November, 1877 ; and was
succeeded by Mr. Hugh Wells who was ordained here on the
6th of August, 1879.
BALTEAGH.
In 1822 the inhabitants of this district applied to the
Synod of Ulster to be erected into a congregation. They
were permitted to build a meeting-house, and for some time
the neighbouring ministers were appointed to supply them
with preaching. In the following year they were erected
into a congregation, and on the 16th November, 1824, Mr.
Samuel Templeton was ordained as their first minister. They
are at present connected with the Presbytery of Limavady.
Mr. Templeton died on the 11th of September, 1866. He
was succeeded by Mr. William D. Wallace, who was ordained
to the pastoral charge on the 26th of April, 1868. Mr.
Wallace resigned this charge on the 15th of January, 1872,
and removed to 1st Eamelton. He was succeeded by Mr.
Eichard Dill Macky, who was ordained here on the 22nd of
November, 1872. Mr. Macky resigned this charge on the
17th of November, 1883, on his removal to New South Wales.
He has since returned, and resumed the charge of the
congregation.
BANAGHER.
This congregation originally formed part of that of Cumber.
It became a distinct charge about the year 1755, and its first
minister was Mr. Jo. Law, who was ordained here on the 5th
of July, 1756. He died in this charge in January, 1810,
leaving a widow. The next minister, who was ordained in
1812, was Mr. James A. Johnston, known among his friends
as "the lovely divine." He was a very handsome man, but
not a deep theologian. He resigned the charge in May,
1831, and removed to Holywood, where he became minister
of the congregation connected with the Presbytery of Antrim.
He was succeeded in Banagher by Mr. Thomas Ellison, who
was ordained here on the 5th of March, 1822. On the
formation of the G-eneral Assembly, Banagher became con-
nected with the Presbytery of G-lendermot. Mr. Ellison died
on the 6th of Januai-y, 1847, and was succeeded by Mr. R. L.
Rogers, who was installed here on the 25th of November,
54 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.
1847. Mr. Eogers died on the 15tli of October, 1879, and
was succeeded by Mr. W. J. D. Williamson, who was installed
here on the 3rd of September, 1880.
BANBEIDGE 1st.
Banbridge was originally part of Magherally congregation,
which was proposed to be divided in the year 1716. One
part called 8ea/patrich was erected into a separate charge ;
and in the same year a meeting-house was build at Banbridge.
This caused great divisions in Seapatrick and Magherally, all
which were referred to the Synod in 1717, when it was
determined that Mr. Young, the minister of Magherally,
should preach alternately in the two congregations. This
arrangement did not continue long. The people of Banbridge
at length obtained a minister of their own, viz., Mr. Archibald
Maclaine, son of Mr. Maclaine, of Markethill, who was
ordained here, April 26th, 1720. He died in this charge,
February 23rd, 1740. He was succeeded by Mr. Henry
Jackson, who is said to have been nearly related to General
Jackson, President of the United States, Mr. Jackson was
ordained at Banbridge by the Presbytery of Armagh on the
8th of November, 1743. In 1772, it was reported to Synod
that bequests to the amount of =£130 had been made to the
congregation of Banbridge, and that the interest was regularly
paid to the minister. Mr. Jackson was grandfather to the
late Rev. H. J. Dobbin, D.D., of Ballymena. On the 6th of
January, 1790, Mr. Jackson i-esigned the charge of the con-
gregation of Banbridge; and, on the same day, Mr. Nathaniel
Shaw was ordained as his assistant and successor. Mr.
Jackson died, February 26th, 1795, leaving a widow and
family; and Mr. Shaw died, July 4th, 1812. The next
minister was Mr. James Davis, who was ordained here March
23rd, 1814. Mr. Davis adhered to the New-Light party in
the Arian controversy ; and, in 1829, those who withdrew
from his ministry were erected into a congregation by the
Presbytery of Dromore ; and, on the 22nd of June, 1830, Mr.
Robert Anderson was ordained as their minister. Mr.
Anderson died on the 29th of February, 1872, and was
succeeded by Mr. John Sinclair Hamilton, who was installed
here on the 3rd of July, 1872. Mr. Hamilton resigned this
charge on the 14th of February, 1884, on his removal to
HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 55
Dublin ; and was succeeded by Mr. Thomas Boyd, formerly
of Magheramason, who was installed hei'e on the 7th of
August of the same year.
BANGOR 1st.
In 1623, Mr. Robert Blair, who had been invited from
Scotland by Lord Claneboy, came over to Bangor and was
ordained to the ministry by Echlin, Bishop of Down, and
some of the neighbouring pastors. He remained here till he
was deposed in 1636, when he retired to Scotland and became
minister successively of Ayr and St. Andrews.* After the
rebellion of 1641, this congregation attracts particular notice,
and we find a session ordained in it in 1642. It did not,
however, obtain a minister until 1646, when Mr. Gilbert
Ramsay came over from Scotland, recommended by Mr. Blair,
and was ordained here. Mr. Ramsay suffered several im-
prisonments ; was deposed in 1661 ; after the Restoration, his
meeting-house was pulled down by Lady Clanbrasil in 1669 ;
and he at length died, in August, 1670. Another minister
from Scotland, Mr. Archibald Hamilton, who had been six
years pastor of Wigton, was settled in Bangor in 1672. He
retired to Scotland at the troubles in 1689, and died at Wigton
in June, 1695. He was succeeded at Bangor by his grandson,
Mr. Hamilton, whose ministry was only of one year's con-
tinuance. After, as it would appear, a long vacancy, Mr.
William Biggar, a minister from Scotland, was installed here,
March 1st, l"704. In March, 1728, Mr. Biggar resigned the
charge, and removed to Scotland, where he became minister
of a parish in Galloway. In 1 730, the congregation was still
vacant, and Robert Blackwood, Esq.,t appeared at the
Synod, as its commissioner, seeking for supplies. In 1731 a
call was given to Mr. Cochrane, minister of Kilraughts, but
the Synod refused to sanction the removal. The next minister
was Mr. James Mackay, who was ordained here November
15th, 1732. In 1747 the congregation was again vacant;
and in 1748 the Synod agreed to permit the removal of Mr.
Cochrane, of Kilraughts, to whom the people of Bangor had
* Mr. Blair was one of the most able and distinguished of the
Fathers of the Ii-ish Presbyterian Church. He was a gentleman by
birth ; and he acted for some time as chaplain to Charles I.
t This gentleman was the ancestor of Lord Dufferin.
66 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.
renewed their call. Mr. Coclirane, who at this time was
Clerk of the Synod, was accordingly installed here, December
6th, 1748. The congregation promised him ^60 and twenty
bolls of oats yearly. In 1758 Mr. Cochrane resigned his
office as Clerk of the Synod ; and, in consequence of his in-
creasing infirmities, the congregation applied to the Synod,
in 1760, for supplies. On this occasion Mr. Hugh Jackson
appears as their commissioner. Their next minister was Mr.
James Hull, formerly minister of Cookstown,whowas installed
here January 4th, 1763. Mr. Cochrane, now the senior
minister, died June 2nd, 1765, leaving a widow and family.
Mr. Hull becoming infirm, Mr. David Taggart was ordained
his assistant. May 21st, 1793. Mr. Hull died March 30th,
1794, and Mr. Taggart was drowned at Bangor quay, March,
16th, 1808. He was succeeded by Mr. Hugh Woods, ordained
November 15th, 1808. During his ministry, Second Bangor,
Groomsport, Ballygilbert, Ballygrainey, and Conlig were
erected within the bounds of his charge. In 1856 Mr. Woods
retired from the discharge of the active duties of the ministry ;
and on the 24th of February, 1857, Mr. Joseph C. M'Cullagh
was installed as his assistant and successor. Mr. Woods died
on the 4th of April, 1869. Mr. M'Cullagh died on the 1st
of December, 1878 ; and was succeeded by Mr. Alexander
Patton, formerly of 1st Ballymoney, who was installed here
on the 17th of June, 1879.
BANGOE 2nd.
This congregation was erected by a Committee of the
Synod of Ulster, sjiecially appointed in 1828. The meeting-
house was erected some time afterwards. On the 5th of
August, 1829, Mr, William Patteson was ordained to the
ministry here by a committee of Synod. Mr. Patteson
obtained leave for his congregation to choose an asssistant
and successor in June, 1879 ; and on the 31st of July, of the
same year, Mr. William Clarke was installed here. A new
church, on a different site, is about to be erected for this
conwresation.
HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 57
BELFAST CONGREGATIONS.
BALLYMACARRETT 1st.
In the early part of tlie present century there was no place
of worship whatever in Ballymacarrett. The population was
comparatively small, and generally in very humble circum-
stances . About sixty years ago attention was drawn to its
spiritual destitution, and various denominations commenced
preaching in it. The Methodists erected a small chapel ; the
Episcopalians also erected a place of worshijD ; and the
Presbyterians likewise took steps to supply ordinances to
those connected with their communion. The congregation
of 1st Ballymacarrett was erected in 1835. The first minister
was Mr. John Meneely, who was ordained here on the 20th
of March, 1838. Mr. (now Dr.) Meneely long laboured here
with much acceptance, and during his ministry the church was
greatly enlarged and improved. Becoming infirm, Mr. William
M'Kean, formerly minister of 2nd Raphoe, was installed as
Dr. Meneely's assistant and successor on the 8th of December,
1881.*
DONEGALL STREET.
In 1773 Mr. James Bryson, who had formerly been minister
of Lisburn, was called to the charge of what was then known
as the 2nd congregation of Belfast (now Unitarian). Some
disagreement at length arose between Mr. Bryson and a
number of his people; and in 1792 a new place of worship was
erected in Donegall Street by the party adhering to him, of
which he was recognized as the minister. Mr. Bryson died
October 3rd, 1796, leaving a widow and family, and was
succeeded by Mr. Robert Acheson, formerly minister of
Glenarm, who was installed here June 20th, 1799. He died
in this charge February 21st, 1824, leaving a widow and
family. The next minister was Mr. George Bellis (afterwai'ds
D.D.), who was ordained here May 24th, 1825. In 1841
Mr. Bellis, on his appointment as missionary secretary for
the General Assembly, resigned the charge of the congrega-
tion, and was succeeded by Mr. Isaac Nelson, formerly
* There are now three Presbyterian congregations in Ballymacarrett ;
and the erection of a fourth is contemplated.
58 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.
minister of 1st Comber, who was installed here by the
Presbytery of Belfast, on the 31st of March, 1842. Mr.
Nelson having obtained leave to retire from the active
duties of the Ministry, Mr. George Magill, formerly of 2nd
Donagheady, was installed here on the 9th of December,
1880. The old church has since been taken down, and a new
building on a different site is in course of erection.
FISHEEWICK PLACE.
This congregation was erected at a pro-re-nata meeting of
the Synod of Ulster specially convened in Moneymore, on the
31st of December, 1823. It may now seem strange that the
erection of this congregation was keenly opposed on the
ground that there was already a sufficient amount of church
accommodation in Belfast. There were then only thi*ee or
four orthodox Presbyterian Churches in the town, and one
or two of these were very poorly attended. The commissioners
for the new erection who attended the Synod were Dr.
James Thompson, Professor of Mathematics in the Belfast
Academical Institution, and father of the j^resent celebrated
Sir William Thompson ; Alexander Mackey, Proprietor of
the Belfast Netvs-Letter ; and Charles Thomson, uncle to Sir
Thomas M'Clure, Bart. These gentlemen presented to the
Synod a list of 162 intended seat-holders who engaged to pay
an annual stipend of .£213 15s 6d. The congregation was
then put under the care of a Committee of Synod. Several
years passed away before the house was ready for worship.
There were at that time only a very few houses near the
j)lace on which it stands, as the town had not then commenced
to move out in the direction of the Botanic Gardens. The
ground on which the Church now stands was little better than
a swamp ; and after the foundations were laid they remained
long without any superstructure. The house was at length
opened for worship on the 23rd of September, 1827, by Dr.
Chalmers. The preacher chose for his text on the occasion,
James, i. 20, " The wrath of man worketh not the righteous-
ness of God ;" and, as the Arian controversy was then raging,
many thought that the discourse was intended to moderate
the strife of the disputants. After some disputing respect-
ing the qualifications of those who should be permitted to
vote for the first minister, the matter was finally arranged by
the Synod in 1828. In the month of August of that year, a
HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 59
unanimous call -was presented to the Rev. James Moro-an
(afterwards D.D.), then minister of Lisburn. Mr. Morgan
accepted the call, and was installed here on the 4th of
November, 1828. His ministry was a signal blessing, not
only to the town of Belfast, but also to the whole Presbyterian
Church of Ireland. He did much to create and foster a
Missionary spirit ; and under him the congregation of Fisher-
wick Place became a model to all the other churches of the
Assembly. For many years Dr. Morgan was the Secretary
of the Foi'eign Mission, of which he may be considered the
father. He was by nature of an extremely delicate constitu-
tion, and yet he survived to old age. He was remarkably
temperate in his mode of living, and systematic in all his
proceedings. He died on the 5th of August, 1873 ; but
meanwhile, in consequence of his increasing infirmities, his
congregation had obtained leave to select an assistant and
successor ; and on the i5th of March, 1870, the Eev. Henry
M. Williamson was installed in the pastoral charge.
FITZEOY AVENUE.
In 1820, the Eev. John Edgar (afterwards D.D.) was
ordained to the pastoral charge of a small Seceding
congregation recently erected in Belfast. At the time
of his ordination his little flock possessed no place of
worship, and continued for a considerable period to meet
and celebrate religious ordinances in a small building
in a back lane in the neighbourhood of Waring Street.
At length by dint of begging, not only in Belfast, but in
England and Scotland, the young minister contrived to
obtain funds for the erection of a very humble sanctuary.
It was built in what had formerly been little better than a
quagmire ; and, on the day on which it was opened for public
worship, those who repaired to it had to find their way along
planks laid to pi'event them from sinking into the mire. But
its young pastor soon proved that he was no ordinary man ; his
zeal and eloquence began to attract more and more attention ;
and in 1829, when he commenced the Temperance Eeformation,
he had already acquired a high reputation. The little meeting-
house at length proved insufficient for the accommodation of
the increasing flock ; and in 1836 a larger and more orna-
mental church was erected in its immediate vicinity. To this
edifice the congregation was transferred ; but the little
60 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.
original building was preserved as a mission house; a minister
was put in charge of it ; and gradually another congregation
was collected. Several other congregations were subsequently-
organised in the same place — one hive, as it were, swarming
off and permitting another to take possession. Meanwhile
the Synod of Ulster and the Secession Synod became united :
and in 1848, Dr. Edgar, now professor of Divinity for the
General Assembly, resigned the pastoral charge. He was suc-
ceeded by the Rev. G-eorge Shaw, who was ordained on the
27th of June, 1849. Since that time a great change has taken
place in the state of the town. Many buildings then occupied as
dwelling-houses have been entirely devoted to business pur-
poses : and a large portion of the population has been
gradually removing to the suburbs. Thus it has been found
necessary to erect new churches in what not many years ago
were town parks. The second church erected by Dr. Edgar
in Alfred Street was not long since sold to be converted into
a large mercantile establishment ; and in its stead one of the
most beautiful ecclesiastical structures in the North of Ireland
has been built for the use of Mr. Shaw's congregation in
Eitzroy Avenue. The new church was opened for j^ublic
worship in 1874. It has a handsome spire, and has connected
with it ample accommodation in the way of school-rooms,
committee-rooms, and lecture-room. The whole has cost
upwards of de8,000.
MAT STREET.
This congregation was erected by the Presbytery of Belfast
in 1829. The church was specially erected for the Rev.
Henry Cooke, D.D. (afterwards LL.D.), formerly of Killi-
leagh. He was installed here on the 24th November,
1829. Vast crowds attended his ministry when the church
was opened ; and sometimes the Sabbath collection, mostly
in halfpence, amounted to .£10. Throughout life he con-
tinued to be the most popular preacher in the Church,
Eor the greater j^art of his ministry in Belfast he con-
ducted three public services in May Street Church every
Lord's Day. Dr. Cooke died at his house in Ormeau Road
on the 13th of December, 1868, in the 81st year of his
age and the 61st of his ministry. His remains were
honoured by a public funeral — one of the most imposing
demonstrations which has ever taken place in the town of
HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 61
Belfast. It was attended by the members of the Corporation
in their robes of office, by the members of the various public
Boards, by the Professors of the Queen's College and of the
Presbyterian College in official costume, and by a vast number
of public officials from various parts of the country. As the
procession passed through the streets every window was filled
with spectators, and every place was thronged. He was
buried in Balmoral Cemetery. Some time before his decease
he was obliged, in consequence of declining health, to give
up his pastoral charge ; and on the 4th of March, 1868, Mr.
John M'Intosh, who had formerly been minister of Connor,
was installed here. On the 4th of January, 1881, Mr.
M'Intosh, having accepted a call from the 2nd Presbyterian
Church of Philadelphia, resigned the care of the congregation;
and on the 31st of January, 1882, Mr. R. J. Lynd, formerly
minister of Berry Street, was installed as pastor. The church,
erected in 1829, and then considered one of the finest
ecclesiastical buildings in BeKast, has since been much
improved.
EOSEMAEY STEEET.
The first minister in Belfast, after the restoration of
Presbytery in 1642, was Mr. Anthony Shaw. A session was
first erected here in 1645, and Mr. Shaw was shortly after-
wards ordained. He was much persecuted by Ormond's party
in 1649, and by the Eepublicans in 1650, so that he fled to
Scotland shortly afterwards, and never returned. The next
minister was Mr. "William Keyes, who was settled here in
1660. Mr. Keyes had at one time also charge of Carrickfergus,
but of this he was relieved in 1672, when the people of
Belfast undertook to pay him an annual stipend of ^£60. In
July of the same year, he was sent to supply the congrega-
tion of Bull- Alley in Dublin, where he continued till December,
when they presented him with a call. Belfast, however,
opposed his removal, sending in January, 1673, Mr. William
Muir, and Michael and John Briggart, as their commissioners
to the Presbytery ; but the committee of all the Presbyteries
in April confirmed his removal to Dublin. On this the con-
gregation sent Mr. Anderson and Mr. Chalmers, as their
commissioners to the Presbytery, to object once more against
it, but the matter having been issued by the committee,
the Presbytery would not interfere. In May, Mr. Keyes,
62 HISTORY OF CONGKEGATIONS.
himself applied to be permitted to remain liei'e, stating " that
Lady Donegall was dissatisfied at his removal, and likely to
be prejudiced against the Presbytery on that account." At
this time Lady Donegall appears to have been at least an
occasional attendant on Presbyterian ordinances. Mr. Keyes
was, however, obliged to remove to Dublin, and the Presby-
tery wrote vindicating their j^roceedings to Lady Donegall,
and continued to supply the vacant congregation. In January,
1674, the Presbytery sent two of their members to wait on
Lord and Lady Donegall to deal with them "for the people's
liberty to choose whom they please, with the meeting's
consent, according to principles owned by us." In the
succeeding April, Messrs. Hall and Cunningham, the two
brethren appointed to execute this commission, reported that
they had conferred with the Countess of Donegall, who
"promised she would be no hindrance to the settling of a
godly minister in Belfast ; " and, in the end of the same
month, they obtained a favourable answer from Lord Donegall.
In May, William Moore and Alexander Arthur, are their
commissioners to the Presbytery, and on July 7th, they gave
a call to Mr. Patrick Adair,* minister at Cairncastle, who,
after the other Presbyteries had been consulted, was declared
transported to Belfast, on October 13th, 1674. He remained
in this charge till his death in the beginning of the year 1694.
At the Synod in June, 1694, Mr. William Crawford, sove-
reign of Belfast, Mr. David Smith, burgess, and others,
appeared as the commissioners from Belfast, requesting that
Mr. John M'Bride, minister of Clare, should be transported
to them, which was soon after granted, and he was accord-
ingly installed here in October, 1694. In 1706 they called
Mr. James Kirkpatrick, minister at Templepatrick, to become
the assistant and successor of Mr. M'Bride, who was now
absent in Scotland, but the Synod refused their request,
though they granted suj^plies. Towards the end of the year
1706, Mr. Kirkpatrick was, however, settled in Belfast. In
1707, the Presbytery divided the congregation, and in 1708,
Mr. Kirkpatrick took charge of the new erection. A com-
mittee of Synod met in Belfast, in September, 1708, to be
present at the division of the congregation. The old congre-
* Mr. Adair was the author of a work long preserved in manuscript,
and not long since published under the title of "Adair's Narrative."
He was married to the daughter of Sir Robert Adair, the proj)rietor of
the Ballymena estate, and the ancestor of Lord Waveney.
HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 63
gation had complained of the conduct of the Presbytery in
encouraging the division, and their commissioners to the
Synod of 1708 were Mr. Andrew Maxwell, Mr. Henry Chads,
and Mr. John Black, elders ; with Edward Bryce, Esq.,
Dr. Peacock, Mr. Isaac Macartney, Mr. Robert Lennox, Mr.
Eichard Ashmore, Mr. Samuel Smith, Mr. John M'Munn,
Mr. Grilbert Moore, and some others. In 1718, they called
Mr. Abernethy, of Antrim, to be assistant and successor to
Mr. M'Bride, but the Synod determined against his removal.
Mr. M'Bride, died July 21st, 1718. They then called Mr.
Fleming, minister of Lurgan, but the Synod in 1719 deter-
mined against his transportation. They at last obtained
Mr. Samuel Haliday, jun., who was installed here July 28th,
1720. At this time lax views began to make their appearance
in the Synod of Ulster ; and the ministers of Eosemary
Street identified themselves with the New-Light party. In
consequence a large number of their hearers withdrew from
their pastoral care, erected another place of worship in a
tenement immediately adjoining; and called Mr. Charles
Masterton, previously minister of Connor, to occupy the
pulpit of their new meeting-house. Mr. Masterton was in-
stalled here towards the end of the year 1722. The com-
missioners of the congregation, Mr. Samuel Smith and Mr.
Jo. Young complained to the Synod in 1724, of several
grievances from the tardiness of the two other congregations
to grant dismissions to people wishing to join them. Mr.
Masterton was at the Synod of 1745, but he appears to have
resigned shortly afterwards, as in 1746 the people applied to
the Synod for supplies of preaching. In 1747 the Synod
sanctioned the removal of Mr. William Laird from Eay to
Belfast on the promise of d870 per annum during Mr.
Masterton' s life, and at his death .£80 and an assistant
minister supported, or =£100 if Mr. Laird undertook the
whole charge. Mr. Laird was accordingly installed here by
the Presbytery of Bangor, on the 16th of September, 1747.
Mr. Masterton died July 15th, 1750. Mr. Laird becoming
infirm, Mr. Sinclair Kelburne, was ordained here by the
Presbytery of Belfast on the 8th of February, 1780. Mr.
Laird died on the 8th of December, 1791. He was the
great-grandfather of Sir Thomas M'Clure, Bart. On the
first Tuesday of November, 1799, Mr. Kelburne resigned
this charge on account of the precarious state of his health
and bodily infirmity ; and was succeeded by Mr. Samuel
64 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.
Hanna, forinerly minister of Drumbo, who was installed here
on the 11th of December, 1799. Mr. Kelburne died March
31st, 1802. Mr. (afterwards Dr.), Hanna in 1838 obtained
leave for his congregation to choose an assistant and successor ;
and in 1840, Mr. (afterwards Dr.), Gibson was elected his
assistant and successor. Dr. Gibson resigned this charge in
1847 on his appointment as Professor of Christian Ethics ;
and was succeeded by Mr. John Macnaughtan, formerly of
Paisley, who was installed here on the 25th of October, 1849.
Becoming infirm, Mr. Macnaughtan obtained as his assistant
Mr. William Park, formerly minister of 1st Ballymena, who
was installed here on the 2nd of September, 1873. Mr.
Macnaughtan died on the 27th of May, 1884.
TOWNSEKD STREET.
This church is connected with a new era in the History of
Pi-esbyterianism in Belfast. When its establishment was
first contemplated the town did not reckon more than the
fifth part of its present number of inhabitants ; but it was
increasing with wonderful rapidity, and the amount of church
accommodation was quite inadequate. A large and com-
modious piece of ground, situate in the midst of the working
class population, was kindly granted in perjietuity, at a merely
nominal rent, by the Rev. John Brown, an excellent Episcopal
minister, and Allen Brown, Esq. ; and in the axitumn of 1838,
the foundation stone of the new edifice was laid by the then
Marquis of Donegal. The services on the occasion were con-
ducted by Drs. Hanna and Cooke, and Messrs. Bellis and
Morgan. In the spring of 1835 the building was ready for
the accommodation of worshippers, and it was then opened by
the Rev. Dr. Norman M'Leod, of Campsie, father of the still
more celebrated Dr. M'Leod, of Glasgow, whose death a few
years ago was so much lamented. The collection at the
opening service amounted to d£130. On the 2nd of February,
1836, the Rev. Josias Wilson was installed as its first minister.
Mr. Wilson laboured here for several years with great zeal
and acceptance, and gathered around him a numerous con-
gregation. On the 7th of October, 1844, Mr. Wilson resigned
the charge, having received a call to River Terrace, London ;
and on the 29th of November of the same year, the Rev. John
Weir, formerly of Newry, was inducted as minister. On the
6th of July, 1847, Mr. Weir resigned the charge, and removed
HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 65
to London ; and on the 21st of September of the same year,
the Rev. William Johnston (now D.D.), formerly minister of
Berry Street congregation, was installed in Townsend Street.
The congregation has flourished greatly vmder Dr. Johnston.
Meanwhile, the structure erected in 1833 having exhibited
various indications of decay, it was i*esolved to build on the
old site a new and more commodious edifice. The present
Presbyterian Church of Townsend Street is one of the best
and most handsome in the Assembly. It is furnished with
all the needful accompaniments of school-rooms, lecture hall,
and other useful apartments. It cost upwards of .£11,000,
and was opened free of debt on Sabbath, the 15th October,
1878, by the Rev, W. F. Stevenson, D.D., Eathgar, and the
Eev. Francis Petticrew, D.Lit., Faughanvale.
YORK STREET.
Fifty years ago the population of Belfast was increasing
with amazing rapidity ; and the Rev. James Morgan, who
shortly before had been installed as the first minister of
Fisherwick Place, became deeply impressed with the import-
ance of providing for the spiritual wants of the new inhabi-
tants. But when he proposed to erect a Presbyterian church
in York Street, many i*egarded the project with no great
favour, thinking that there was already sufiicient accommo-
dation for all who were likely to attend on Sabbath oixlinances.
His own capacious meeting-house had been recently ei'ected ;
the large Presbyterian church of May Street had been built
soon afterwards ; and the Presbyterian chiirch of Townsend
Street had been only lately opened. But the minister of
Fisherwick Place persevered, and his efforts were at length
crowned with success. Throughout he was much encouraged
by Dr. Cooke, who was so well pleased with the result that
he pleasantly suggested St. James', after the Christian name
of its originator, as the proper designation for the new
ecclesiastical structure. On the 11th of February, 1840, the
Rev. David Hamilton, who had previously been minister of
Connor, was installed as pastor, and for nearly twenty years
he occupied the pulpit with much acceptance and eflficiency.
In the year of the great awakening (1869) he was unremitt-
ing in his exertions, and it was believed that his health was
then undermined by excessive toil. He died of fever on the
13th of January, 1860. The vast multitude in attendance on
66 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.
his funeral attested the respect entertained for him by the
whole community. He "was succeeded as minister of York
Street by Mr. David Hanson, who had previously been
minister of Fahan, and who was installed here on the 20th
of September, 1860. His ministry was short, as he died
here in the prime of life on the 8th of January, 1865. By
this time Mr. Thomas Hamilton, the eldest son of the first
minister, was nearly ready for licence ; and the congregation
testified at once their deep respect for the father, and their
high expectations in reference to the son, by electing the
young licentiate to the vacant office. Mr. Thomas Hamilton
was ordained here by the Presbytery of Belfast on the 22nd
of August, 1865. He has recently signalised himself by
carrying off a prize of dSlOO for an essay on the Sabbath from
upwards of 240 competitors.
BELTUEBET.
This place began to be supplied with preaching by the
Synod of Ulster in 1709. About the same time the Synod also
commenced preaching in Carrickmacross. On the 23rd of
March, 1714, Mr. Robert Thompson was ordained as minister
of Belturbet. But he did not long retain the charge in con-
sequence of the insufiiciency of his maintenance. He resigned
it in 1721 . The place now remained long without a minister.
At length, in 1854, the Presbytery of Cavan reported to the
Assembly that they had established a mission station in this
town ; and on the 28th of June of the same year they ordained
Mr. Robert Jamieson to the pastoral charge. Having accepted
a call from the Missionary Directors, Mr. Jamieson resigned
the charge on the 8th of January, 1856, and subsequently
proceeded to Canada. He was succeeded as minister of
Belturbet by Mr. James ThomjDSon, who was ordained here
on the 27th of June, 1856.
BENBUEB.
Benbueb is classic ground. On the 5th of June, 1646,
the Scottish forces, led on by Monro, here encountered the
Irish Confederates under the famous Owen Roe O'Neill, and
sustained a complete overthrow. Had O'lSTeill followed up
his victory, he might have crushed the Scots in Ulster ; but,
as if given up to infatuation, he marched away southwards,
HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. Q7
and permitted tlie Covenanters to recruit their streuo-tb.
Thus his triumjih proved almost fruitless. There were
Presbyterians in and around Benburh perhaps ever since the
time of this memorable battle. A Mr. Walkinshaw appears
to have been minister here shortly after the Restoration, but
of him little is known. He was succeeded by Mr. Archibald
Hamilton, son of Mr. James Hamilton, nephew of Lord
Claneboy, and minister of Bally waiter. Mr. Hamilton settled
at Benburb about 1670, and continued in this charge till
1672. He seems to have been very j^oorly supported ; and in
consecpience, he removed to Armagh towards the close of
1672. He is said to have been succeeded by Mr. James
Johnson, who died here. The next minister was Mr. John
Boyd, who was ordained here by the Presbytery of Tyrone
on the 17th of July, 1706. He died October 16th, 1712.
He was succeeded by Mr. John Kennedy, who was ordained
here on the 13th of July, 1714. Mr. Kennedy died in this
charge on the 25th of June, 1761, at the age of 77. He was
succeeded by Mr. Alexander Johnson, who was ordained here
on the 23rd of May, 1763. He died August 9th, 1771, leaving
neither widow nor family, and aged 52 years. He was
succeeded by Mr. James Whiteside, jun., probably son of
Mr. James Whiteside, sen., of Tobermore. He was ordained
here on the 23rd of December, 1772. Becoming infirm, Mr.
Joshua Willis was ordained his assistant on the 31st of March,
1815. Mr. Whiteside died on the 18th of May, 1821, leavmg
a widow and family. In March, 1822, Mr. Willis was sus-
pended for one month for celebrating marriage irregularly.
He was afterwards suspended and dis-annexed ; and, after a
long vacancy, Mr. James Fullarton was ordained here by a
Committee of the Synod of Ulster, on the 2nd of December,
1836. In June following he resigned the charge, and emigrated
to Australia. The next minister was Mr. Hugh Montgomery,
who was ordained here on the 20th of June, 1838. Mr.
Montgomery died on the 24th of December, 1873. He was
succeeded by Mr. Gawn Malcom who was ordained here on
the 26th of August, 1874. On the 11th of April, 1876, Mr.
Malcom resigned this charge on his acceptance of a call from
a congregation in England ; and was succeeded by Mr.
William Clements, formerly minister of Tartaraghan, who
was installed here on the 21st of June, 1876.
68 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.
BILLY OR BUSHMILLS.
The first minister of this congregation was Mr. Jeremiah
O'Quin, a native Irishman, educated by Mr. Upton, of
Temj^lepatrick. Mr. O'Quin was settled here by the Presby-
tery in the year 1646. In consequence of refusing to join in
the protest against the execution of Charles I., and for taking
part with the Republicans and Independents, he was sus-
pended by the Presbytery in April, 1649. He was subsequently
restored. He was here in 1656, being mentioned by
Livingstone among his acquaintances. He died on the last
day of January, 1657. He was succeeded, as minister of
Billy, by Mr. Gabriel Cornwall, who was here for perhaps
twenty years. He seems to have been succeeded by Mr.
Adam White, who was here in 1691. He had been minister
of Ardstraw previously. He died minister of Billy on the
19th of December, 1708. The next minister was Mr. John
Porter, who was ordained at Bushmills, on the 28th of July,
1713. He died in this charge on the 13th of June, 1738.
On the death of Mr. Porter the people split into parties in
favour of different candidates; and in 1742 their Com-
missioner, Mr. Adam Auld, supplicated the Synod of Ulster
to grant them a new poll. Mr. John Logue was at length
ordained on the 1st of July, 1746. At this time the people
of Dunluce belonged to the congregation, but some years
afterwards they were erected into a separate charge. In
November, 1756, Mr. Logue removed to Buckna, of which he
was the first minister. He was succeeded by Mr. Samuel
Moore, who was eventually degraded. The next minister
was Mr. Hugh Moore, who was ordained here on the 26th of
September, 1779. In 1780 he removed to Usher's Quay,
Dublin, and was succeeded by Mr. William Douglass, who
was ordained here on the 1st of February, 1783. He died in
this charge on the 29th of May, 1794, leaving a widow and
family. The next minister was Mr. Daniel M'Kee, who was
ordained here on the 22nd of November, 1796. On the 13th
of June, 1820, he was set aside for drunkenness. He was
succeeded in the charge by Mr. Hugh Hamill, who was
ordained here on the 28th of November, 1820. Mr. Hamill
died on the 31st of March, 1864; and on the 19th of
November of the same year the Rev. James Boyle was
ordained to the pastoral charge.
HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 69
BOAEDMILLS.
BoARDMiLLS is One of the earliest of the congregations estab-
lished by the Seceders in Ireland. Its first minister was Mr.
Andrew Black, who was installed here on the 22nd of June,
1749. He had formerly been minister of Cumbernauld in
Scotland. He was present at the formation of the first
Burgher Presbytery constituted in Ireland, and was one of
its members. This Presbytery was formed on the 24th of
July, 1751. After a ministry of 33 years here, Mr. Black
died at Boardmills on the 6th of July, 1782, in the 82nd year
of his age. The next minister was Mr. Joseph Longmoore,
who was ordained in 1784. After a ministry of 25 years he
died on the 10th of October, 1809, and was succeeded by Mr.
John Sturgeon, whose ministry was of thirty years' duration.
He died on the 22nd December, 1840. Meanwhile Mr.
George H. Shanks, who was ordained on the 13th of October,
1840, had been appointed his assistant and successor.
BOVEVA.
It would appear that the first minister here was Mr. Hans
Stewart, a licentiate of the Presbytery of Linlithgow. He
seems to have been settled as minister of Boveva in 1701.
He died on the 6th of May, 1737. He was succeeded by Mr.
John Lyle, who was oi'dained here in 1738. He died in this
charge on the 20th of May, 1765. The next minister was
Mr. William Stewart, who was ordained here on the 18th of
June, 1770. His ministry was of short duration. He was
succeeded by Mr. Samuel Patton, who was ordained here by
the Presbytery of Derry on the 20th of August, 1773. Mr.
Patton removed in the following year to Moueyrea. He was
succeeded by the Rev. Francis Gray, who was ordained here
some time afterwards. He continued in this charge till his
death on the 2nd of August, 1817. The next minister was
Mr. Henry Kyd, who was ordained here on the 7th of June,
1818. Mr. Kyd was a man of singular piety, and displayed
considerable ability as a writer. He died in this charge on
the 4th of June, 1839. After a lengthened vacancy, Mr. Adam
Magill was ordained to the pastoral charge on the 8th of
March, 1843.
70 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.
BRIGH.
The first minister of Brigli or Donaghendry, was Mr,
Archibald Hamilton, who was settled here in 1630, and ejected
in 1661. He died in 1674. His tombstone is in the church-
yard there. He was succeeded by Mr. John Abernethy, the
ejected minister of Aghaloo or Minterburn, who continued
here about ten years and removed to Moneymore. He was
succeeded by Mr. Alexander Osborne, who held this charge
till January, 1688, when he was removed to Dublin. He was
succeeded by Mr. Robert Hamilton in the end of the same
year. In 1691 we find their commissioner, Mr. Richard
Spier, supplicating the Synod that Mr. Hamilton may be
pei'mitted to remain with them, though they cannot give him
above ^20 per annum. It would appear that shortly after-
wards he resigned the charge and removed to Bangor. The
next minister was Mr. Thomas Kennedy, son of the minister
of Carlan, who was ordained here on the 6th of November,
1700. In 1708 the people complained that they would be
injured by a new erection at Coagh ; but the Synod deemed
them still sufiicient to support a minister. Mr. Kennedy died
in this charge on the 3rd of July, 1746. He was succeeded by
Mr. John White, who was ordained here on the 23rd of July,
1747. He died on the 20th of October, 1787. The next
minister was Mr. Thomas M'Kay, who was ordained here on
the 1st of August, 1788. He died in this charge on the 19th
of December, 1821, aged sixty- six. After much disputing,
Mr. James Denham, afterwards D.D., was ordained here by
a Synodical Committee on the 11th of July, 1826. Receiving
a call to Derry, he resigned this charge on the 20th of April,
1837, and was succeeded by Mr. Samuel H. Elder, who was
ordained here on the 1st of Axigust, 1837. Mr. Elder died on
the 11th of October, 1844 ; and was succeeded by Mr. John
Maxwell, who was ordained here on the 30th of June, 1847.
Mr. Maxwell died on the 29th of June, 1883 ; and was
succeeded by Mr. John Huey Morton, who was ordained here
on the 15th of January, 1884.
BROUGHSHANE 1st.
This congregation was originally called Braid, and had for
its first minister the Rev. John Douglass, who was ordained
here in August, 1655. He was succeeded by the Rev. Fulk
HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 71
White, who was ordained July 6th, 1687. The congregation
engaged to pay Mr. White a stipend of .£20 in money and 16
bolls of corn yearly. This minister was well acquainted with
Hebrew, and was in the habit of giving instruction in that
language to candidates for the ministry. He died August
24th, 1716.* About two months prior to his decease, his son,
Mr. James White, was ordained his assistant and successor.
The Rev. James White was long an influential minister of
the Synod of Ulster ; and from him John White, Esq., of
Whitehall, near Broughshane, late High-Sheriff of the County
Antrim, is lineally descended. He died April 24th, 1761. He
had become infirm long prior to his death ; and, in consequence,
on the 13th of January, 1756, the Rev. Alexander M'Mullan
was ordained his assistant. Mr. M'Miillan removed to
Cullybackey about two years afterwards, and was succeeded
in Broughshane by the Rev. Charles Brown, who was ordained
in October, 1759. From this minister the great merchant
princes of the same name, of Liverpool and the United States
of America, are collaterally descended. Mr. Brown died in
September, 1810. In the May of the preceding year, the Rev.
Robert Stewart was ordained his assistant and successor.
At that time little attention was paid to the question of
Sabbath sanctification ; and even in cases where the election
of a minister was strenuously contested, it was not unusual to
take the poll of the congregation on the Lord's Day. When
a candidate for the pastoral charge of Broughshane, Mr.
Stewart encountered a vigorous opposition ; and the voting,
which commenced after public worship on Sunday, was con-
tinued till nine or ten o'clock at night. The Synod of Ulster
at length saw the impi'opriety of permitting a poll to be taken
on the day of sacred rest ; and it is said that the Broughshane
election terminated the history of this species of Sabbath
desecration. Mr. Stewart early distinguished himself in the
Synod, as an able debater, and in 1816 was chosen Moderator.
He excelled in quick repartee, in clear discrimination, and in
fai'-seeing sagacity. In 1827 he had a remarkable discussion
with the Rev. B. M'Auley, Parish Priest of Bally mena, on the
subject of the Papal Supremacy. This discussion, which
took place in the courthouse of Ballymena, and which con-
tinued for three days, excited uncommon interest. Whilst it
* There is a graveyard attached to the 1st Presbyterian Church of
Broughshane ; and the first body buried in it is said to have been the
remains of a soldier of King William III.
72 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.
was going on, Mr. Stewart was occasionally to be seen looking
into a cliest of books wLicli was beside him, and wliich he
was obviously searching for authoi'ities, when, at the same
time, he was conducting a vigorous argument, and replying
most effectively to some previous statements of his antagonist.
In all intricate and important negociations he was usually
employed by the Synod of Ulster. During the Arian contro-
versy he exhibited great tact and coolness ; and his speech in
1828, in support of the celebrated overtures, and in answer
to Dr. Montgomery, was one of the happiest efforts of his
eloquence. In 1843 he was elected Moderator of the General
Assembly. He frequently visited London and Dublin, on
deputations to Government. He died on the 26th of
September, 1852, and his funeral was attended by an immense
multitude. He was succeeded by Mr. Archibald Robinson,
who was ordained here on the 23rd of August, 1853.
BUCKNA.
In the year 1756 the inhabitants of this place applied to
the Synod of Ulster to be erected into a congregation. The
application, though opposed on the part of the congregation
of Broughshane, was granted. The first minister was Mr.
John Logue, formerly of Billy or Bushmills, who was
installed here on the 5th of November, 1756. He removed
to America in 1772 ; and was succeeded by Mr. David Park,
who was ordained here on the 26th of July, 1773. Becoming
infirm, Mr. Richard Dill was ordained his assistant on the
13th of February, 1810. He resigned this charge on the
11th of February, 1812, and removed to Drumachose. Mr.
Park died on the 10th of March, 1814, leaving a widow and
family. The next minister was Mr. William M'Clintock
Wray, who was ordained here on the 15th of November,
1815. Mr. Wray died on the 14th of November, 1848 ; and
was succeeded by Mr. Samuel Hamilton, who was ordained
here on the 5th of September, 1849. On the 29th of
September, 1873, Mr. Hamilton retired from the discharge
of the active duties of the ministry ; and, on the 17th of
March, 1874, Mr, John Huey was ordained as his successor.
HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 73
BURT.
This congregation and Derry appear to have teen originally
a united charge. The first separate minister of Burt was
Mr. William Hempton, a licentiate of the Presbytery of
Dean, in Scotland, who was ordained here in September,
1673. Mr. Hempton appears to have retm-ned to Scotland
at the Revolution. His successor, Mr. Andrew Ferguson,
who had been licensed in Scotland in 1689, came to Burt in
1690. Under him the congregation increased considerably,
and in June, 1691, the Presbytery of Lagan required them
to make an addition to the meeting-house. In 1695 Mr.
Ferguson was called to Corboy or Longford ; but the Synod
decided that he should remain in Burt. In 1697 there was
a dispute between Burt and Derry respecting their relative
boundaries. In January, 1698, the Presbytery ordered
" that the liberties of the city on that side the water wherein
the city standeth should be the bounds of the congregation ;"
but Burt was dissatisfied with the decision, and appealed to
the next meeting of Synod. When Mr. Ferguson became
infirm, his son, Mr. Andrew Ferguson, juu., was appointed
his successor. He was ordained by the Presbytery of Derry,
February 16th, 1725. His father died on the 18th of July
following. Mr. Andrew Fei'guson, jun., was the great-
grandfather of Sir R. A. Ferguson, Bai-t., at one time M.P.
for the city of Derry. Becoming infirm, Mr. Hugh Brooke
was ordained his assistant November 5th, 1783. Mr.
Ferguson died January 30th, 1787. His funeral sermon,
which was preached by the Rev. Andrew Alexander, of Urney,
was subsequently published. In this discourse it is stated
that " when he had numbered above eighty years, he dis-
cerned the same ardour in reading, conversing, and writing
on various subjects for which he was distinguished at an
earlier period ;" and that " by Providence he was endowed
with an ample fortune, which he enjoyed with moderation,
and employed, as a man of virtue, in kind offices to his
friends, in a decent hospitality, and acts of charity to the
distressed." Mr. Brooke long ministered to the congregation
of Burt, but at length becoming infirm, the Rev. Robert
Gray, formerly minister of Dungiven, was installed his
assistant on the 15th of October, 1833. Mr. Brooke* died on
* The Misses Brooke, the daughters of this minister, have distin-
guished themselves by iheir muniticent contributions to the Irish
Presbyterian Church,
74 HISTORY OF CONGEEGATIONS.
the 17th of June, 1839. Mr. Gray died on the 19th of
October, 1857 ; and was succeeded by Mr. H. P. Charlton,
who was installed here on the 19th of October, 1858. Mr.
Charlton resigned this charge on the 3rd of JSToveniber, 1875,
on his removal to Scotland; and was succeeded by Mr.
William Clarke, who was installed here on the 27th of July,
1876. On his removal to 2nd Bangor, Mr. Clarke resigned
this charge on the 28th of July, 1879 ; and was succeeded
by Mr. Robert W. Hamilton, who was ordained here on the
30th of January, 1880. Mr. Hamilton has since removed to
2nd Lisburn.
CAIENCASTLE.
Patrick Adair* was ordained the first minister here, May
7th, 1646. The congregation was visited in March, 1674,
and the following account returned : — " That they were
considerably in arrear for every year of four, concluding at
All Saints, 1672, and the year commencing at that and
concluding at All Saints, 1673, not yet ap plotted ; and no
mention of this year current." In October, 1674, Mr. Adair
was removed to Belfast, and we find Mr. John Campbell
ordained here, May 2nd, 1677. He resided for a time in
Belfast during the summer of 1685. In February, 1689, he
retired on account of the ai>proaching troubles to Scotland,
and in April, 1690, there came a letter from Mr. George
Meldrum and Mr. Verner, in the name of the Presbytery of
Irwin, showing that Mr. Campbell had now a call from the
parish of Newmills there. He returned, however, in the end
of April. In March, 1691, Mr. Walter Campbell, of Walter-
haughs, ajjpeared a commissioner from Lowdon, in the
Presbytery of Irwin, with a letter from the Earl of Lowdon,
seeking the removal of Mr. Campbell thither. The Presby-
tery, however, resolved not to loose him from Cairncastle.
In 1700 he asked advice of Synod, stating that he had an
invitation from Largs and an offer from the Captain of
Dunoon in that neighbourhood to settle all his estate upon
him and his family in case he would settle near him at
Largs. In the beginning of 1714 he ultimately removed to
Scotland on this invitation. His successor was Mr. William
Taylor, son of Mr. William Taylor, minister of Drumaul or
Eandalstown, who was ordained here by the Presbytery of
* The author of " Adair's Narrative."
HISTORY OP CONGREGATIONS. 75
Antrim on the 14tli of June, 1715. He joined the non-
subscribing Presbytery of Antrim in 1725 ; but at his death,
in May, 1734, the congregation reverted to the Presbytery
of Templepatrick, and by it Mr. John Lewson was ordained
here on the 20th of December, 1738. Mr. Lewson becoming
infirm, Mr. Thomas Alexander was ordained here as his
assistant and successor on the 17th of December, 1793. Mr.
Lewson died September 15th, 1802, leaving a family. In
1829 Mr. Alexander and a small part of the congregation
seceded from the Synod of Ulster and held the meeting-
house. The people adhering to the Synod gave a call to
Mr. James Carmichael, who was ordained here on the 24tli
of May, 1832, Mr. Carmichael becoming infirm, obtained
as his assistant and successor Mr. Samuel Edgar Stewart,
who was ordained here on the 25th of July, 1871. Mr.
Carmichael died on the 28th of July, 1873. Mr. Stewart
resigned the pastoral chai'ge on the 30th of October, 1882,
on his removal to Carrickfergus ; and was succeeded by Mr.
John Christie, who was ordained here on the 2ud of October,
1883.
CARLAN.
This congregation was originally known by the name of
Donoughmore (County Tyrone) , and included in it the town
of Dungannon, by which name also it was early distinguished.
Its first minister was Mr. Thomas Kennedy. He was
one of the Presbyterian worthies who lost their livings
at the Restoration. He was dej)osed in 1661 ; but he
settled at Carlan-bridge, where he continued in the exercise
of his ministry. He was afterwards called Mr. Thomas
Kennedy senior, to distinguish him from Mr. Thomas
Kennedy "junior, minister of Ballyclug or Brigh. At the
Revolution he fled to Scotland. In September, 1691, the
congregation applied to Synod to procure his return, offering
".£19 per annum, and this year to plough and sow ten acres
of land, if he will come over by May next, and they having
not above a tenth-part of the land there yet planted, they are
very hopeful, in a short time after his coming thither that their
land may be planted and so his yearly maintenance be in-
creased. They also promised him £,5 towards building a
dwelling-house." He returned in 1693, and continued here
till his death in February, 1714. He died at the age of 89.
At his death the congregation divided, and a part was erected
76 HISTOEY OF CONGEEGATIONS.
into a separate congregation at Dungannon. Mr. Kennedy was
succeeded at Donouglimore, or Carlan, by Mr. Robert Stuart,
who was ordained here August 11th, 1720. He died in this
charge, April 11th, 1746. He was succeeded by Mr. William
Kennedy, who was ordained at Carlan, as it was now called,
on the 2nd of April, 1754. Mr. Kennedy becoming infirm, Mr.
Robert Stewart was ordained his assistant on the 9th October,
1798. Mr. Kennedy died April, 9th, 1801, leaving a family.
Mr. Stewart died in 1812, leaving a family. The next
minister was Mr. John Hogg, who was ordained here on the
31st of October, 1815. Mr. Hogg died on the 5th of December,
1846, having previously obtained leave to retire from the
active duties of the ministry ; and on the 29th September,
1846, Mr. Stewart Carse was ordained his successor.
CARLINGFORD.
Carlingford and Dundalk originally formed a joint charge.
The first minister was Mr. John Wilson, who was ordained
here about 1700. In 1707, Dundalk was erected into a
separate charge, and Mr. Wilson then became exclusively
the minister of Carlingford. In 1729, Mr. Wilson emigrated
to America. He was succeeded in Cai'lingford by Mr.
Alexander Reed, who was ordained to the joint charge of
Carlingford and Narrowwater on the 16th of November, 1731.
He died in this charge on the 19th of November, 1737. The
next minister was Mr. George Henry, who was ordained at
Narrowwater by the Presbytery of Armagh on the 4th of
October, 1743. He resigned these charges in May, 1764, and
went to America. The next minister was Mr. Robert
Dickson, who was ordained here on the 24th of November,
1765. He was elected Clerk to the Synod of Ulster in 1787.
He died October 7th, 1804, leaving a family, and was
succeeded by Mr. Samuel Arnold, who was ordained to the
joint charge of Carlingford and Narrowwater on the 2nd
September, 1805. In 1819, the Presbytery of Armagh in-
formed the Synod that the persons now worshipping in
Carlingford were so few, and the augmentation of their
numbers so very improbable that Mr. Arnold's usefulness as
a minister would be greater were he to discontinue his present
practice of preaching there every sixth Sabbath, and devote
his whole time to Narrowwater. The Synod partly sanctioned
this arrangement ; and in 1820, Mr. Arnold withdrew entirely
HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. ^^
from Carlingford. Carlingford, however, continued to be
supplied with preaching till 1821, when it was erected into a
separate congregation, and Mr. James Lunn was ordained
here on the 31st of July of that yeai*. Mr. Lunn joined the
Remonstrants in 1829, and afterwards the Presbyterian
interest in Carlingford became virtually defunct. But the
cause there has recently revived. The Px-esbyterians of Car-
lingford have been formed into a congregation under the
care of the Assembly, and on the 29th of March, 1869, Mr.
William J. M'Cully was ordained to the pastoral charge of
Omeath and Carlingford. A comfortable Church has since
been erected in the town of Carlingford.
CAELOW.
This had once been a congregation under the Synod of
Munster, but had become extinct about the year 1750.
Preaching was revived in it early in 1818, and it was shortly
afterwards erected into a congregation under the care of
the Synod of Ulster and Presbytery of Dublin. Its first
minister was Mr. James Morgan (afterwards D.D., of Belfast)
who was ordained here on the 21st of June, 1820. He
resigned this charge on the 19th of May, 1824, on his
removal to Lisburn. The next minister was Mr. Edward
Alexander, who was ordained June 23rd, 1825. He resigned
the charge on the 5th of April, 1828, and was succeeded
by Mr. William Blood, who was ordained on the 20th of
March, 1830. Mr. Alexander died at Belfast in November,
1832 ; and Mr. Blood resigned the charge in August,
1835, and removed, first to England, and afterwards to
America. The next minister was Mr. Warrand Carlile, who
was ordained here on the 26th of May, 1837. Mr. Carlile
resigned the charge on the 1st of November, 1842, and
became a missionary to Jamaica. He was succeeded by
Mr. David M'Taggart, who was ordained here on the 8th of
March, 1843.. Mr. M'Taggart resigned the charge on the
26th of June, 1848, and connected himself with the Estab-
lished Church of Scotland ; and, on the 1st of November
following, Mr. John Powell, who had previously been minister
of Bray, was installed as pastor. In 1855 Mr. Powell resigned
the charge, and was succeeded by Mr. John Barnett, who
was installed here on the 24th of June, 1856. Mr. Barnett
resigned the charge on the 3rd of July, 1866, on his removal
78 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.
to Katesbridge, and was succeeded by Mr. R. S. Coffey, who
was ordained here on the 10th of December, 1866. Mr. Coffey
resigned this charge on the 18th of February, 1875, on his
removal to Bandon; and was succeeded by Mr. George
W. Neely, who was ordained here on the 7th of October, 1875.
Mr. Neely resigned this charge on the 6th of November,
1878, having accej^ted a call from the congregation of Malin;
and was succeeded 'hj Mr. Neil S. Forsythe, who was installed
here on the 20th of May, 1879.
CAENDONAGH.
This congregation, sometimes called Donagh, was pretty
early settled. In May, 1695, the people called Mr. Robert
Neilson, a probationer under the care of the Presbytery of
Lagan, to be their minister. They were required to build a
meeting-house, but not being found able to support a pastor,
Mr. Neilson left them about 1698, without having been
ordained. Mr. Neilson soon after settled at Kilraughts. In
January, 1701, Mr. Thomas Harvey was ordained here as the
minister. He died in this charge on the 24th of February,
1718. The next minister was Mr. Thomas Strawbridge, who
was ordained here on the 3rd of October, 1721. Mr. Straw-
bridge died in this charge on the 2nd of April, 1762. The next
minister appears to have been Mr. Samuel Patton, who was
here in 1773. He was succeeded by Mr. Robert Scott, who
was ordained here on the 22nd of November, 1777. Mr.
Scott resigned this charge through bodily infirmity in 1801,
and died October 1st, 1803, leaving a widow and family.
After a long vacancy, Mr. Reuben Rogers was ordained here
on the 27th September, 1808. Mr. Rogers becoming infirm,
his son, Mr. Robert L. Rogers, was ordained as his assistant
and successor on the 2nd of January, 1844. Mr. Reuben
Rogers died on the 12th of February, 1846 ; and Mr. Robert L.
Rogers resigned the pastoral charge on the 20th November,
1847, and was succeeded by Mr. Alexander Pinkerton, who
was ordained here on the 28th of March, 1848. The Rev.
Robert Morrison was, on the 16th December, 1884, ordained
as his assistant and successor.
CARNMONEY.
The first minister of this congregation of whom we have
any account was Mr. James Shaw, who was ordained here in
HISTORT OF CONGREGATIONS. 79
May, 1657. He was deposed by Jeremy Taylor in 1661, but,
notwithstanding, continued privately to officiate among the
people. In September, 1672, he brouglit his servant, George
Eussell, before the Presbytery " for conferring with a spirit
that was in the habit of troubling his dwelling-house," and,
at the same meeting, asked the advice of the Presbytery
about holding the communion in the parish. They advised
him " to delay it a little till the confusion in the parish
settle a little," and they also appointed a fast to be held
there on September 17th, which was kept accordingly. Mr.
Shaw, who never recovei'ed the shock occasioned by these
suspected evidences of witchcraft, died in December, 1672.
In March, 1673, the congregation gave a unanimous call to
his son, Mr. Patrick Shaw, who had been entered on trials
in April, and was licensed in Sejitember, 1672. After passing
his second trials he was ordained privately at Larne,
November 12, 167?, Mr. Cunningham, of Ballycarry, preach-
ing and presiding on the occasion. Mr. Shaw died in 1683.
In August, 1684, the congx-egation gave a call to Mr. James
Bruce, but he declined to accept it. Soon after, refusing
the advice of the Presbytery relative to their settlement, two
ministers were sent to remonstrate and to show them that
" the Presbytery was troubled to see them so self-willed and
disingenuous." In 1686 they gave a call to Mr. John Munro,
an ordained Scottish minister at this time in Ireland, who
accepted it and settled among them. In August, 1688, he
received a call from his former congregation in Argyleshire,
and in November, James Wylie, an elder, shows that " the
rigid dealing of the landlords pursuing after rent occasions
little done to Mr. Munro, and that in three years they are
in arrear dS48." The Presbytery, in consequence, threatened
to permit Mr. Munro to return to Scotland. He continued,
however, in Carnmoney until the troubles drove him out of
the country in 1689, when he Avent to Scotland, and did not
return. In January, 1690, Mr. George Lang, formerly
minister of ISTewxy, sojourning in this neighbourhood, under-
took the supplying the congregation till he should be enabled
to return to his former charge. Mr. Lang returned to Newry
in May, 1692, when the congi-egation was again thrown
vacant. The next minister was Mr. Andrew Crawford, son
of Mr. Thomas Crawford, formerly minister of Donegore,
who was ordained here about 1695. He died in this charge
June 7, 1726. He was succeeded by Mr. John Thompson,
80 HISTOKY OF CONGEEGATIONS.
who was ordained here by the Presbytery of Templepatrick,
July 14th, 1731, and who died in this charge March 18th,
1764. He was succeeded by his nephew, Mr. John Thompson,
who was ordained here by the Presbytery of Dromore, March
10th, 1767. Mr. Thompson, who was the grandfather of the
Eev. W. M'Clure, of Londonderry, was long a leading
minister of the Synod of Ulster. He possessed a remarkably
vigorous mind united with great dignity of deportment, and,
at a time when latitudinai-ian views were prevalent in the
Synod of Ulster, was known as a decided Calvinist. Becom-
ing infirm, Mr. William Craig was ordained his assistant,
February 2nd, 1819. Mr. Craig removed to Dromara iu
December, 1823, and was succeeded by Mr. John Dill, who
was ordained here May 10th, 1825. Mr. Thompson died
March 23rd, 1828, in the 87th year of his age and the 62nd
of his ministry. Mr. Dill died on the 19th of February,
1841 ; and was succeeded by Mr. David Wilson (now D.D.),
who was ordained here on the 31st of January, 1844. On
the 17th of December of the same year Mr. Wilson resigned
this charge on his removal to Limerick ; and was succeeded
by Mr. Joseph Barkley, who was ordained here on the 28th
of May, 1845. Mr. Barkley becoming infirm, obtained leave
for the congregation to choose an assistant, and died on the
17th of November, 1880. He was succeeded by Mr. Hugh
Waterworth, who was ordained here on the 29th of July,
1880.
CAEEICKFERGUS 1st.
About 1620 Mr. Hubbard removed with his congregation
from London to this place, where in died in 1623. After him
Mr. James Glendinnmg resided here as a lecturer, but retired
to Oldstone about 1625. On the arrival of the Scotch forces
here, in 1642, Presbyterian worship was re-established and
conducted regularly by their chaplains. The covenant was
taken in the church in April, 1644 — the Eev. James Weir
presiding on the occasion. At length, in the end of the year
1646, Mr. John Greg became the fixed pastor. He was forced
to fly from his charge in 1649, when Cromwell and the
Eegicides obtained the ascendency. The Eev. Timothy
Taylor, an English Independent, held the parish under the
Eepublican sway from 1650 till after the Eestoration. In
1668 he removed to Dublin. The congregation remained
vacant after his removal, but was supplied every other
HISTORY OP CONGREGATIONS. 81
Sabbath by Mr. Keyes, of Belfast. In December, 1671, Mr.
Alexander Lees, their commissioner, supplicated the Presby-
tery that Mr. Keyes mio-ht be settled exclusively with them ;
but without success, as he was finally confirmed in Belfast in
February, 1672.* In May, the Presbytery wrote to Scotland
for Mr. Alexander Grordou, and the congregation sent a com-
missioner with the lettei". But in November Mr. William
Mayne appears before the Presbytery as commissioner, and
declares there is no hope of obtaining Mr. Grordou. In March,
1673, Baptist Boyd was commissioner to the Presbytery, and
in May the commissioners were Mr. Robert Dalway, and Mr.
John Jowland, who expressed their anxiety for the settlement
of a minister. In June the peoj^le succeeded in obtaining a
hearing of Mr. Archibald Hamilton, formerly minister of
Benburb, but now unsettled ; and in July they presented him
with an unanimous call ; but, the Presbytery of Tyrone
settling him in Armagh at this time, they were obliged to
remain yet longer vacant. Mr. Robert Henry, a probationer,
who had been licensed in June, is sent to preach here in
October. In January, 1674, they presented him with a call ;
but at the same meeting the people of Glasslough, who had
previously heard him, requested him to be sent back, which
is refused; and he is enjoined to embrace the call from
Carrickfergus. After second trials he is ordained in the
neighbourhood of Ballyclare, at the house of Mr. John
Crawford, on the 22nd of April, 1674. Mr. Thomas Hall, of
Larne, preached on the occasion, from Matt, ii., 5, 6. The
High Church party now rode rough-shod over the Presby-
terians, maintaining that they violated the laws of the land
by presuming to ordain ministers, and hence this ordination
took place in a private dwelling many miles from Carrick-
fergus. In August, 1688, Mr. Henry had a call from Derry,
presented by Mr. William Lennox and Mr. Robert Harvey,
two gentlemen whose names soon aftei'wards acquired
celebrity in connection with the siege of the maiden city.
The call was further prosecuted in September, by Mr. Frederic
Cunningham and Mr. Henry Long, from Derry, and opposed
by Mr. John M'Gee, Mr. James M'^Cullough, Mr. John Brown,
and Mr. David Hood, from Carrickfergus. The result was
that Mr. Henry was appointed to continue here. At the same
meeting he had a call from Ayr, but the Presbytexy would
* Belfast was then a small town ; but it was early made a borough,
and was represented in the Irish Parliament.
P
82 HISTORY OP CONGREGATIONS.
not entertain it. In Februaiy, 1689, Mr. Henry retired to
Scotland, as Carrickfergus was in the hands of the partisans
of King James, and the town suffered much during the
Revolution. Mr. Heniy returned to his congregation in
November, but was again in Scotland during January and
February, 1690. In March, 1691, Mr. William M'Cracken
appeared as commissioner from Glenluce, in Galloway, seek-
ing his removal there, but the Presbytery would not consent.
The Synod, in September, 1691, sent him to supply the Capel
Street congregation, in Dublin, for six weeks. In April, 1692,
two calls were addressed to him, one from G-lenluce, presented
by Sir Charles Hay, and the other from Capel Street. Mr.
John Brown, at that time one of the Sheriffs of Carrickfergus,
Mr. William Dawson, and others, apjjeared as commissioners
from the congregation opposing his removal ; but the Synod
decided that he should settle in Dublin. In 1693 the j^eople
gave a call to Mr. Joshua Fisher, but the Synod removed him
to Donaghmore, County of Donegal. The next minister after
Mr. Henry was Mr. Archibald Ross, who had been licensed
by the Presbytery of Irwin, and who was ordained here in
1694. He is named as one of the trustees for the Regnmi
Donnm in the patent dated September, 1699. He died in
the beginning of the year 1700. The next minister was Mr.
Patrick Adair, who was ordained here December 9th, 1702.
He died June 12tli, 1717. This gentleman appears to have
been related to the Adair family of Ballymena. His son,
William Adair, Esq., acquired a considerable fortune, and
died unmarried. By his last will he bequeathed =£2,000
in consolidated three per cent, annuities, in trust to the
Adair's of Ballymena, to go annually for the benefit of the
poor freemen of Carrickfergus, and to be divided as the owner
of the Ballymena estate for the time being may direct. Mr.
Adair was succeeded by Mr. James Frazer, who was ordained
here June 3rd, 1718. Even at this time the Presbyterians
were considerably disturbed by the threats of the High
Church party. They were particularly opjjosed in the license
and ordination of ministers. In memoranda which he left
behind him, Mr. Frazer relates that he was licensed to preach
by the Presbytery of Armagh, in Lurgan, in March, 1710,
between 11 and 12 o'clock at night, by Mr. Hutcheson, of
Armagh ; and that he was ordained as minister of Carrick-
fergus, in Captain John Davies' garden, by the Presbytery
of Bc-ifcist. There was at this time an old meeting-house in
HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 83
Carrickfergus, but a new one was erected very soon after-
wards. The following account exhibits the quarterly jDayments
of Reijium Dommi received by Mr. Frazer the year after his
ordination : —
Jan. 6th, 1719, received my 1st quarter of "R.D"., £1 19 104
Mar. 12, „ „ 2iid „ ,, 2 4
June 11, ,, ,, ord ,, „ 2 7
Sept. 10, ,, ,, 4th „ ,, 1 19 61
Additional eodem die, 16 6'-^-
£8 16 lOi
Towards the close of Mr. Frazer's ministry, a committee of
Presbytery appointed to compose certain differences existing
in the congregation, reported that they " fully vindicated and
acquitted Mr. Frazer of endeavouring to procure one seat
more than another for Mr. Dalway," and for " receiving
Mr. Dalway as a member of the congregation." Mr. Frazer
died August, 1748, and was succeeded by Mr. David
Fullarton, who, after a long vacancy, Avas ordained March
11th, 1756. At his ordination he subscribed the following
formula, — " I believe the "Westminster Confession of Faith
contains a good system of the Christian doctrines, which
I subscribe as the confession of my faith." In 1760,
when Thurot appeared in Belfast Lough with three
French frigates, Carrickfergus was taken, and Mr. Fullar-
ton was sent to Belfast with a flag of truce and a letter
to the Sovereign, or Mayor, in which the French Com-
modore threatened to burn the town, if not immediately
furnished with a supply of provisions. The ministry of Mr.
Fullarton in Carrickfergus was uncomfortable ; he was
charged with indiscretion; and he at length resigned the
congregation in 1767, and conformed to the Established
Church. He was succeeded by Mr. William Blakely, who
was ordained December 12th, 1770. He resigned in 1779,
and was suspended sine die. In 1770 a petition was presented
to the corporation from the Masters and Wardens of the
Trades, requiring a grant of an old house in North Street,
for the use of the Presbyterian minister, and it was ordered
that a deed for ever be made to Marriot Dalway, Esq. (who
in 1761 was elected M.P. for Carrickfergus), in trust for said
minister for the time being, and that twenty guineas be given
to Mr. Dalway towards building the same. In March, 1783,
Mr. John Savage was ordained to the pastoral charge. He
died December 19th, 1822. The next minister was Mr. James
84 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.
Seaton Eeid, formerly minister of Donegore, and afterwards
D.D. and Professor of Ecclesiastical History in the University
of Glasgow. In Dr. Eeid's time the present church was
erected. Having been appointed Professor of Ecclesiastical
History in Belfast, he resigned this charge on the 6th of
November, 1838, and was succeeded by the Rev. James White
(son of the Rev. Patrick White, of Bailieborough), who was
ordained here by the Presbytery of Templepatrick, on the
31st December, 1838. Dr. Eeid died at Belmont, the seat of
Lord Mackenzie, near Edinburgh, on the 26th of March,
1851, aged 52.
CASTLEBLAYNEY.
The earliest notice "we have of this congregation is in 1718,
when the people applied to the Synod of Ulster for the
hearing of a licentiate. They stated that they were able to
pay <£20 per annum stipend ; and that Mr. Arthur Maxwell*
of Drumbeg, in County Down, promised them ^81 10s. a-year
to assist them. At the same time Lord Blayney wrote to
the Synod on their behalf, " setting forth his regard for the
Protestant Dissenters in his country ; that they want a
meeting-house ; that they were not able to build it ; and
that he is willing to assist them." They soon after obtained
as their minister Mr. Samuel Hemphill, who was ordained
here on the 24th of December, 1718. In 1729 he had a call
to the 2nd congregation of Antrim ; but the Synod continued
him here. Lord Blayney wrote to the Synod praying Mr.
Hemjihill to be settled here. He died in this charge on the
28th of March, 1741. The next minister was Mr. James
Gordon, who was ordained here on the 18th of January,
1744. In 1750 he was translated from this to Eaphoe. He
was succeeded by Mr. John Warnock, who was ordained
here by the Presbytery of Cootehill in October, 1756. He
was succeeded by Mr. John Davis, who was ordained here
on the 13th of December, 1774. Becoming infirm, Mr.
James Harpur was ordained his assistant and successor on
the nth of December, 1810. Mr. Davis died March 7th,
1818, leaving neither widow nor family. Mr. Harpur died
on the 11th of December, 1838, leaving both widow and
family. The next minister was the Eev. Thomas Boyd,
* This gentleman was a distinguished benefactor of the Irish
Presbyterian Church.
HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 85
formerly assistant minister of Magherally, who was installed
here on the 21st of June, 1839. Mr. Boyd died on the ■26th
of November, 1863 ; and on the 13th of May, 1864, Mr.
Joseph M'Askie was installed in the pastoral charge. Mr.
M'Askie resigned this charge on the 4th of October, 1881 ;
and was succeeded by Mr. Robert H. Smythe, who was
installed here on the 27th of March, 1883.
CASTLEDAWSON.
The first minister of this congregation of whom we have
any account was Mr. John Tomb, who was ordained here
about the year 1696. Prior to this time Maghera and Castle-
dawson were united. Mr. Tomb continued in this charge till
his death in February, 1718. He was succeeded by Mr. Hugh
Wallace, who was installed here September 7, 1720. He had
previously been minister of Loughgall, and the congregation
of Castledawson now included Magherafelt. The latter place
was erected into a separate congregation in 1738, and Mr.
Wallace became the minister. Castledawson was thus left
vacant, and it then obtained as minister Mr. Robert Henry,
who was ordained here by the Presbytery of Route, June 7,
1743. He resigned this charge through age and infirmity
October 28, 1798 ; and died November 1, 1802, leaving a family.
He was succeeded by Mr. Solomon Brown,* brother to the Rev.
John Brown, D.D., of Aghadoey, who was ordained on the
1st Tuesday of December, 1802. On the 24th of Decembex*,
1833, Mr. Brown resigned the charge through infirmity, and
died November, 20, 1834. The next minister was Mr. James
Glasgow, who was ordained here by the Presbytery of
Magherafelt, October 6, 1835. At the first meeting of the
General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland
Mr. Glasgow (now D.D.) was sent abroad as a missionary to
India, and Castledawson became vacant. The next minister
was Mr. John Radcliffe, who was ordained here on the 23rd
of June, 1841. Mr. Radcliffe, having been appointed to a
charge in the West Indies, resigned the congregation on the
15th of August, 1848 ; and was succeeded by Mr. Robert
Gamble, who was ordained on the 1st of August, 1849, by
the Presbytery of Magherafelt.
* Father of Dr. S. Browne, R.N., J.P., Belfast.
86 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.
CASTLEDEEG 1st.
The congregation of 1st Derg, or Castlederg, now belong-
ing to the Presbytery of Donegal, was established about the
year 1700. In July, 1699, Mr, Holmes, of Urney, signified
to the Presbytery that there was a considerable prospect of a
congregation being formed here, provided a part of his con-
gregation and of Mr. Haliday's, at Ardstraw, were joined to
the existing nucleus. There is reason to believe that the first
minister was Mr. John Dunlop, who was ordained by the
Presbytery of Convoy, September 15th, 1710, and died,
NovemlSer 29th, 1713. The next minister was Mr. Nehemiah
Donaldson, ordained here, December 19th, 1716. Mr.
Donaldson was the valued fi'iend and pastor of the celebrated
Mr. David Cairns, of Knockmany, one of the heroes of the
siege of Derry ; and Mr. Cairns, at his death, bequeathed to
him a pledge of his affection.* Mr. Donaldson died, July 7th,
1747, and was succeeded by Mr. Hugh Young, who was
ordained here, June 8th, 1748. In 1750, Mr. Young was
called to be colleague to Mr. M'Collum, of Capel Street,
Dublin ; but expressing his sincere attachment to Derg, the
Synod refused to require his removal. In 1772, it was re-
ported to Synod that Hugh Edwards, Esq., had bequeathed
to the congregation d£10 yearly, for ever, a sum which is, we
believe, still regularly paid to the minister. Mr. Young died
in this charge in 1789, leaving a family. He was succeeded
by Mr. James Henderson, who was ordained here. May 27th,
1791. Mr. Henderson was drowned, December 20th, 1818,
leaving a widow and family ; and was succeeded by Mr. James
Adams, ordained here, September 27th, 1820. Mr. Adams
died in this charge. May 22nd, 1837. In November, 1827,
the congregation of Killeter was disannexed from that of
Derg. In Sejitember, 1837, Mr. John Crockett, formerly of
Killeter, was installed as successor to Mr. Adams. Mr.
Crockett becoming infirm applied for an assistant, and died
on the 11th of February, 1875; and was succeeded by Mr.
James M'Cay, who was ordained here on the 20th of May,
1874.
* Mr. Cairns, who was long M.P, for Derry, died in May, 1722. He
was married to Margaret Edwards. In 1743, Matthew Edwards, of the
same family, was married to the daughter of Nehemiah Donaldson.
HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 87
CASTLEREAGH.
This congregation was originally a joint chai'ge, there
being two congregations — one at Knock and another at
Bredfi . The first minister of whom we have any account was
Mr. Hugh Wilson, who, in 1661, was deposed by Bishop
Taylor. Mr. Wilson continued to preach to his people as
often as he had opportunity till 1690, when he removed to
Scotland, and settled in the Presbytery of Wigton. His
successor was Mr. James Montgomery. He died October
26th, 1710. He was succeeded by Mr. Francis Montgomery,
who was ordainedhere April 27th, 1715. In 1741 he iDecamo
infirm, and Mr. Samuel Alexander was ordained his assistant
and successor by the Presbytery of Bangor, January 26th,
1742. Mr. Montgomery died in 1761. Mr. Alexander
becoming infirm, Mr. Alexander Henry was ordained his
assistant and successor, December 13th, 1774. Mr. Alexander
died November 18th, L787. Mr. Henry died July 14th, 1806.
He was succeeded by Mr. Chai-les Grey, who was ordained
March 3rd, 1807. On the 16th of March, 1814, he resigned
this charge, and on the same day was suspended. He died
February 14th, 1816. The next minister was Mr. Henry
Haslett, who was ordained here September 24th, 1816. Mr.
Haslett having retired from the active duties of the ministry,
Dr. John James Given was installed as his assistant and
successor, February 7th, 1854. Dr. Given, on his appoint-
ment to a professorship in Magee College, resigned this
charge in June, 1870; aad was succeeded by Mr. William
Rogers, who was ordained hei'e on the 3rd of August, 1871.
Mr. Rogers (now LL.D.)* resigned the charge of this con-
gregation in 1876 on his removal to Whiteabbey ; and was
succeeded by Mr. John B. Thomson, who was ordained here
on the 13th of March, 1877.
CAVAN.
This congregation was erected in November, 1833. The
first minister was Mr. James M'Clatchy, who was ordained
here by the Presbytery of Monaghan on the 3rd of April,
1834. He died of consumption on the 21st of November,
* Tlie great-grandfather of Dr. Rogers, who was minister of the
Secession church of Cahaus, was the first Professor of Divinity in
Ireland appointed by the Secession Church.
88 HISTORY OF CONGEEGATIONS.
1836, and was succeeded by Mr. Robert Fleming— who had
been minister of the Seceding congregation at Bellaghy, in
County Derry — but who had joined the Belfast Presbytery
in 1836. He was installed here on the 5th of March, 1837.
Mr. Fleming died on the 26th of March, 185] ; and was
succeeded by Mr. James Carson, who was ordained here on
the 30th of June, 1851. On the 30th of July, 1879, Mr.
Carson retired from the active duties of the ministry, and
was succeeded by Mr. John Howard Murphy,* who was
ordained here on the 27th of November of the same year.
Mr. Carson died on the 21st of December, 1880.
CAVANALECK.
This congregation was at first called Aghalurcher or Five-
mile-town. The first minister of whom we have any account
is Mr. Josias Cornwall, who was ordained here by the
Presbytery of Monaghan, May 21st, 1704. He was deposed
for gross misconduct on his own confession, December 26th,
1728. In 1730 he came before the Synod, " confessed his
sin, and made such professions of his repentance as were
very satisfactory to the Synod." He was restored to the
ministry by the Presbytery of Monaghan, October 4th, 1738,
but never held a charge. The next minister was Mr. John
Gibson, who was ordained here February 23rd, 1732. He
removed to Keady in January, 1738. The next notice we
have of this congregation is in the account of the ordination
of Mr. Thomas Boyle, who was settled here May 21st, 1745.
He died October 25th, 1780, leaving a family. He was
succeeded by Mr. W. Johnson, who was ordained here by the
Presbytery of Clogher, December 4th, 1781. Becoming
infirm, the Rev. James Philijis was ordained his assistant
and successor May 19th, 1812. Mr. Johnson was afterwards
suspended and finally degraded. Mr. Philips becoming
infirm, Mr. John M' Michael was ordained his assistant and
successor on the 29th of June, 1858. Mr. M'Michael having
resigned the charge and emigrated to the colonies, Mr. David
Greer was installed in this charge on the 29th of September,
1864. Mr. Philips died on the 21st of April, 1867. Mr.
Greer died on the 17th of May, 1884, and was succeeded by
Mr. James Melville Irwin, who was ordained here on the
14th of October of the same year,
* Son of Professor J. G. Murphy, D.D., LL.D., of Assembly's
College, Belfast.
HISTORY OP CONGREGATIONS. 89
CLARE.
The first minister here of whom we liave auy account was
Mr. John Macbride. He was here in 1679. In the year 1694
he was removed to Belfast, where he continued till his death.
In 1697 Moses Cherry was ordained at Clare as his successor.
He died in 1727. He was succeeded by his son, George
Cherry, who had been ordained here as his father's assistant
and successor on the 14th of December, 1725. Mr. Cherry
died in this charge on the 17th of May, 1765, leaving a
widow and children. He was succeeded by Mr. Samuel
Livingston, who was ordained here on the 20th of August,
1765. He died minister of this congregation on the 26th of
February, 1802, leaving a widow and family. After much
disputing, Mr. Robert Adams was ordained here on the 22nd
of June, 1807. In 1812 he was admonished and suspended
one Lord's Day for neglect of his pastoral duty in not visit-
ing the sick, and for transgressing the regulations of Synod
respecting the celebration of marriage. This was the origin
of much trouble in the congregation, as the people were very
unwilling that Mr. Adams should return to the performance
of pastoral duties among them. In 1816 it was at length
agreed that the congregation should have liberty to choose a
successor to Mr. Adams, on the understanding that Mr. Adams
was topay,out of the "B.D.",£dO per annum to such successor.
Accordingly Mr. James Gardner was ordained here on the
28th of March, 1817. On the 9th June, 1824, he was set aside
from the ministry for immorality. The next minister was
Mr. John Bell, who was ordained here on the 21st December,
1824. Mr. Adams died about 1840. In 1876, in consequence
of the increasing infirmity of Mr. Bell, leave was granted to
his congregation to elect an assistant and successor, and on
the 14th of November, 1877, Mr. David Wilson was ordained
to the pastoral charge. Mr. Wilson, on his removal to
Mourne, resigned this charge on the 5th of October, 1881 ;
and was succeeded by Mr. Robert J. Whan, who was ordained
here on the 28th of March, 1882.
CLOGHER OR CARNTALL.
This congregation was originally knoAvn by the name of
Clogher, and the earliest notice we have of it is in connection
with an unsuccessful application of the people to the Synod
90 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.
of Ulster in September, 1691, for the continuance with them
of Mr. Neill Gray, who was then about to be settled at
Taughboyne or St. Johnstone. They promised to the Synod
to make good to him ^30 per annum. Their commissioners
were Messrs. James Kennedy, William Cairns and William
Ury. Mr. Neill G-ray had been preaching to them for some
time. He was succeeded by Mr. William Cornwall, who was
ordained here about 1695. In 1717 he expressed his desire
to demit the charge of the congregation, on account of the
distance of his dwelling-house from the meeting-house, of
his bodily indisposition, and of the great arrears due by the
people. In 1718 he resigned this charge, purposing to go to
America. He returned from New England, not long after
his arrival there, and was settled at Taughboyne in 1722,
The next minister was Mr. John Carlisle, who was ordained
here on the 10th of January, 1722. He died in this charge
May 22nd, 1 748. He was succeeded by Mr. William M'Neill,
who was ordained here May 22nd, 1754, by the Presbytery
of Tyrone. In 1770 he was suspended, sine die, and the
Synod in 1771 oi'dered that unless he satisfied the Presby-
tery of Tyrone as to the disposal of ^20 bequeathed to the
minister of Carntall, and of <£20 bequeathed to the poor of
said parish, he should be deposed. The next minister was
Mr. Andrew Millar, who Avas ordained here June 15th, 1773.
Becoming infirm, Mr. John Hanna was ordained his assistant
and successor November 5th, 1829. Mr. Millar died on the
11th of February, 1831. Mr. Hanna died on the 7th of
December, 1857. He was succeeded by Mr. James G. Robb,
who was ordained here on the 24th of June, 1858. Mr.
Robb (afterwards D.D.) resigned this charge on the 16th of
March, 1874, on his removal to Toronto; and was succeeded
by Mr. William H. Bailey, who was ordained here on the
18th of August, 1874.
CLONMEL.
In June, 1673, a letter from Colonel Sankey was laid before
the Presbytery of Lagan, together with a call from certain
people of Clonmel, to Mr. William Cock. He was accordingly
ordained as their minister on the 25th of November, 1673.
He was here in 1688. The congregation subsequently joined
the Presbytery of Munster, and among its ministers was the
Eev. William Campbell, D.D., so famous for his controversy
HISTOEY OF CONGREGATIONS. 91
with Dr. Woodward, Bishop of Cloyne. Dr. Campbell was
a New Light minister, and notwithstanding his learning and
ability, the congregation did not flourish under him. His
successors were at least equally lax in their theology. In
1832 several families here applied to the Synod of Ulster foi-
preaching, and soon afterwards a congregation was erected in
the place. Their first elected minister was the Rev. M.
Mitchell, formerly minister of the seceding congregation of
Moneymore, but he died before his installation. The next
minister elected was Mr. John Dill, who was ordained here
on the 25th of May, 1836. Mr. Dill died on the 5th of
August, 1868 ; and on the 30th of December of the same
year Mr. H. H. Beattie (now LL.D.) was ordained as minister.
On the 2nd of Api*il, 1878, Dr. Beattie, having received an
appointment as chaplain to the Forces, resigned this charge.
On the 27th of June, 1878, the Rev. James Wilson was
installed in the congregation of Clonmel as a joint-charge
with Fethard.
CLONTIBRET 1st.
This congregation was erected in 1725. Their commis-
sioner to the Synod in that year was George Meek. The
first minister was Mr. William Sloan, who was ordained here
by the Presbytery of Monaghan on the 3rd of April, 1728.
He died in this charge on the 12th of June, 1732. He was
succeeded by Mr. James Clarke, who was ordained here on
the 26th May, 1736. He died in November, 1756. He was
succeeded by Mr. James Kinnear, who was ordained here on
the 25th of June, 1759. He died in this charge on the 21st
of March, 1777. His successor was Mr. William M'Ferson,.
who was ordained by the Presbytery of Dromore on the 6th
of May, 1778. He resigned the charge of the congregation
on the 24th of August, 1789; and was succeeded by Mr.
James Goudy, who was ordained here by the Presbytery of
Monaghan on the 25th of March, 1790. JSe died on the 10th
of September, 1826, leaving a widow and family. The next
minister was Mr. Alexander Patterson, jun., son of the Rev.
Alexander Patterson, of Magherally, who was ordained here
by the Presbytery of Monaghan on the 3rd of July, 1827.
On the 2nd of March, 1830, Mr. Patterson resigned this
charge and removed to Ballymena. He was succeeded by
Mr. John Arnold, who was ordained here on the 30th of
92 HISTORY OP CONGREGATIONS,
September, 1830. On July 3rd, 1835, Mr. Arnold resigned
the charge and removed to Omagh. The next minister was
Mr. James Buchanan Hamilton, a licentiate of the Church
of Scotland, who was ordained here on the 1st of September,
1836. On the 3rd of October, 1843, Mr. Hamilton resigned
the pastoral charge, having received a presentation to a
parish in connection with the Established Church of Scot-
land ; and on the 24th of June, 1846, Mr. Andrew Molyneux
was ordained as pastor.
CLOUGH, Co. Antrim.
This congregation was early i)lauted. The first minister
was Mr. Andrew Rowan, who was originally from the neigh-
bourhood of Glasgow, and who was ordained here about 1650.
At the Restoration he was one of the few who conformed,
and he was consequently admitted rector of Dunaghy, or
Clough, by the Bishop of Down and Connor, on the 13th of
September, 1661. This seems to have impeded the settle-
ment of a Presbyterian minister here for some time. The
next minister was Mr. Peter Orr, who was ordained to this
charge in January, 1673. At the Revolution he fled to
Scotland, but returned shortly afterwards, and remained here
till his death, on the 27th of December, 1706. He was suc-
ceeded by Mr. Alexander Orr (probably his son), who was
ordained here on the 20th December, 1709. His pastorate
was short, as he died on the 1st of May, 1713. His successor
was Mr. Thomas Cobham, Avho was ordained on the 12th of
March, 1718. He died in this charge on the 3rd of February,
1732. He was succeeded by Mr. James M'Curdy, who was
ordained here by the Presbytery of Coleraine on the 12th of
August, 1735. He died in this charge on the 8th of January,
1758 ; and was succeeded by Mr. Joseph Douglass, who was
ordained here on the 3rd of June, 1760. Mr. Douglass is
said to have been a man of commanding presence ; he was a
ciiptain of the Volunteers ; and he sometimes preached in his
military dress. His daughter Margaret — who is said to have
been extremely beautiful — was married to Richard Bateson,
Esq., of Londonderry, grandfather of Sir Robert Bateson,
Bart., of Castruse, County of Donegal. Mr. Douglass
resigned the charge of the congregation in consequence of
age and infirmity on the 1st of November, 1795. The next
minister was Mr. Thomas Kinnear, who was ordained here
HISTORY OF CONGEECtATIONS. 93
on the 23rd of June, 1801. He resigned the charge in
December, 1804. Mr. Douglass died on the 18th of November,
1805. The next minister was Mr. John Hall, who was
ordained here on the 17tli of June, 1806. Becoming infirm,
Mr. Hall retired from the discharge of the pastoral diities,
and on the 14th of March, 1865,* Mr. James Reutoul was
ordained his assistant and successor. Mr. Hall died on the
11th of January, 1866. Mr. Rentoul resigned this charge
on the 14th of May, 1878, on his removal to 2nd Dromore ;
and was succeeded by Mr. S. E. Brown, formerly of Athlone,
who was installed here on the 19th of November, 1878.
CLOrGH, Co. Down.
The earliest notice of this congregation in the Synodical
records is under the name of Drtimca. Its first minister was
Thomas Maxwell, who was here in 1687, and probably for
some time before. He died in this charge on the 14th of
July, 1705. He was succeeded by Mr. Hugh Eamsay, who
was ordained here by the Presbytery of Down on the 7th of
May, 1707, and who died on the i2th of November, 1720.
The next minister was Mr. Hugh Williamson, who was
ordained here by the same Presbytery on the 31st of Julv,
1722. He died in this charge March 3rd, 1748. He was
succeeded by Mr. John Williamson (probably his son), who
was ordained here by the Presbytery of Killileagh on the 4th
of February, 1752, and who was a subscriber to the West-
minster Confession of Faith. He was present at the Synod
of 1766, but he is not afterwards noticed. The next minister
was Mr. Robert Porter, who was ordained here on the 16th
of June, 1773. Becoming infirm, Mr. William Campbell was
ordained his assistant and successor on the 22nd September,
1813. Mr. Porter died on the 22nd of March, 1815. Mr.
Campbell died on the 2nd of April, 1829. A dispute having
occurred respecting the choice of a successor, and the Synod
of Ulster having, in 1829, put the congregation under the
care of a committee, a part of it seceded to the Presbytery
of Antrim in July, 1829. The next minister was Mr. Francis
Dill, formerly of Eay, County Donegal, who was installed
here by the committee of Synod on the 3rd of November,
1829. The congregation was annexed by the Synod in 1830
* It thus appears that the ministrj- of Mr. Hall is one of the longest
on record.
:94 HISTORY OP CONGREGATIONS.
to the Presbytery of Dromore. About this time they com-
menced a suit for the recovery of the meeting-liouse, mean-
■while occupied by the Arian party, and a decision was given
in their favour by the Barons of the Exchequer in May, 1836.
Mr. Dill becoming infirm, Mr. Edward Stuart was ordained
his successor on the 3rd of February, 1842. Mr. Dill died
•on the 29th of January, 1848. Mr. Stuart having become
infirm, Mr. Eobert Scott was ordained as his assistant and
successor on the 4th of July, 1883.
CLOrGHERNEY.
This congregation was erected off the 1st congregation of
Omagh in 1720, and, with Pettigo, was under the ministry of
Mr. Joseph Hemphill from 1721 till his death in 1747. It
then became a separate charge under the name of Termont,
and its first minister was Mr. James Scott, who was ordained
here by the Presbytery of Strabane on the 16th of April,
1752. He was annexed to Clogher Presbytery in 1777, and
was killed on the 2nd of January, 1780, leaving a widow.
Mr. James Ker was ordained his successor by the Presbytery
of Clogher on the 13th of February, 1781. He died in this
charge on the 5th of June, 1823, leaving neither wife nor
family, and was succeeded by Mr. Archibald Armstrong, who
was ordained here on the 2nd of September, 1823. Mr.
Armstrong died in September, 1849. He was succeeded by
Mr. Joseph M'Caskie, who was ordained here on the 10th of
September, 1850. On the 9th of April, 1864, Mr. M'Caskie
resigned the charge of this congregation, having accepted a
call to 1st Castleblayney. He was succeeded by Mr. Samuel
Cochrane, who was ordained to the pastoral charge on the
27th of June, 1865.
COAGH.
The first notice we have of this congregation is in 1708,
when the inhabitants about Coagh and Ballinderry com-
plained to the Synod that the Presbytery of Tyrone had
refused to erect them into a congregation, and join to them
some from Moneymore and Ballyclug (now Brigh) congrega-
tions. The Presbytery was rebuked for this oi>position ; and
in 1710 the whole matter, after many disputes, was satis-
factorily adjusted, and Mr. David Thomb was ordained here
on the 17th of October, 1711. He died in this charge on the
HISTOEY OF CONGREGATIONS. 95
6tli of October, 1726. He was succeeded by Mr. Hugli
Sharp, wlio was ordained here ou the 6th of Juue, 1732, after
a vacancy of nearly six years. In 1751 the people applied to
the Synod for supplies, Mr. Sharp having become infirm.
He died on the 7th of February, 1753 ; and was succeeded
by Mr. John M'Clelland, who Avas ordained here on the 9th
of September, 1755. Mr. M'Clelland died in this charge ou
the 28th of August, 1798. The next minister was Mr. John
Cowan, who was ordained here on the fi.rst Tuesday of May,
1801. Becoming infirm, he resigned the pastoral charge in
1835 ; and on the 5th of October of that year Mr. Edward
M. Dill, M.D., was ordained his assistant and successor. Dr.
Dill resigned this charge, and removed to Cork. He was
succeeded by Mr. Eobert Holmes, who was ordained here on
the 29th November, 1839. Mr. Cowan died on the 26th of
July, 1841. Mr. Holmes died on the 18th of September,
1881 ; and was succeeded by Mr. Alexander Coskery, who
was ordained here on the 2nd of March, 1882.
COLERAINE, 1st.
The name of the first pastor of this congregation is un-
known. On Easter Sunday, 1644, the Covenant was
administered in the town by Messrs. Weir and Adair, ministers
from Scotland, to the garrison and inhabitants, and was
taken by Mr. Vesey, the minister. In 1668 and 1669, the
congregation was vacant. Mr. Thomas Wylie, a Scotch
minister, whose relatives lived in Coleraine, came over and
supplied the i)lace for three years, from 1670 to 1673, but
declined settling in the charge. On his return to Scotland
the people sent with him a blank call, dated June 25th, 1673,
to be presented to such a person as he would recommend.
He sent them over Mr. William Weir, who had been the
minister of West Calder, in Scotland, and who had been
brought prisoner to Edinburgh, on the olst of July, 1673, for
maintaining his Presbyterian principles. Mr. Weir continued
in Coleraine from 1674 to 1687, when he returned to Scotland,
where he died in the ministry at Linlithgow in 1695. In
May, 1688, the congregation of Coleraine gave a call to Mr.
Abernethy, of Money more, but partly in consequence of the
unsettled state of the country, this minister did not remove
there till 1691. The peojjle promised him fuel, a dwelling-
house, and c£40 per annum stipend. Mr. Abernethy died in
96 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.
tliis charge November 14th, 1703. In 1705 the congregation
wished to call Mr. Robert G-emmill from Scotland, but the
Synod, not being satisfied with his testimonials, could not
permit them. This created great and long-continued dissatis-
faction in the congregation. The people at length agreed
upon a call to Mr. Robert Higinbotham, who was ordained
here, December 26th, 1710. In 1714 Mr. Higinbotham was
rebuked before the Synod for refusing to marry Mrs. Martha
Woods, of Four-loan-ends, in Belfast parish, and was allowed
three months for fulfilling that contract, otherwise the
Presbytery of Route were instructed to depose him. At the
time of the disputes respecting subscription, he at first took
tlie side of the non-subscribers, when a new erection was
sanctioned in Coleraine, and he, in consequence, withdrew
from the Synod; but in the year 1727 he returned, and pro-
fessed his adherence to subscription and the Westminster
Confession of Faith. He was now joined to the Presbytery
of Derry, but the Sessions of Ballykelly and Boveva suppli-
cated that he should be removed to another Presbytery, and
he was joined to that of Templepatrick. He was afterwards
connected with the Presbytery of Ballymena when it was
formed in 1745. In 1761 he and his congregation supplicated
to be put again into the Presbytery of Derry, and the Synod
acceded to the application. Mr. Higinbotham becoming
infirm, Mr. Arthur Kyle was ordained as his assistant
September 23rd, 1761. Mr. Higinbotham died in 1770. On
the 4th of June, 1799, Mr. Matthew Culbert was ordained as
assistant to Mr. Kyle, who died in August, 1808. Mr. Culbert
becoming blind, Mr. Andrew M'Caldin, formerly minister at
Stratford, was installed here on the 20th of March, 1811.
Mr. Culbert died January 30th, 1819. Mr. M'Caldin died on
the 10th of July, 1844, and on the 6th of May, 1845, Mr.
William Richey was ordained to the pastoral charge. It thus
appears that Mr. Richey was the sixth minister of Coleraine
since the time of the Revolution, and that the pastorate of
Mr. Higinbotham extended over a period of about sixty years.
Mr. Richey obtained as his assistant Mr. Robert W. Fleming,
who was installed here on the 20th of November, 1860. Mr.
Richey died on the 14th of October, 1867. Mr. Fleming re-
tii'ed from the active duties of the ministry some time
pi'eviously, and died on the 23rd of July, 1882. He was
succeeded by Mr. Francis Stuart Gardiner, who was ordained
here on the 10th of May, ] 882.
HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 97
COLEEAINE 2nd.
This congregation was erected in 1727, in consequence of
the part taken by Mr. Higinbotham, the minister of the
place, in the debates respecting subscription to the West-
minster Confession of Faith. In December, 1727, Messrs.
Hugh Bankhead, Robert Dunlop, and Isaac Tod appeared as
commissioners at the Synod from this new erection. Their
first minister was Mr. Charles Lynd, formerly minister of
Fannet, who was installed here by the Presbytery of Route
in the beginning of the year 1728. He died in this charge
on the 21st of December, 1751. He was succeeded by Mr.
John Simpson, who was ordained here on the 17th of
October, 1753. He died in this charge on the 4th of March,
1795. The next minister was Mr. John Glasgow, who was
ordained here on the 8th of March, 1796. He died on the
13th of July, 1801, and was succeeded by Mr. John White-
side, who was ordained here on the last Tuesday of July,
1802. About the year 1840 a charge was brought against
Mr. Whiteside, connected with the making of the will of Mr.
Daniel Fulton, and a painful investigation followed. The
result was that Mr. Whiteside retired from the discharge of
the pastoral duties, and on the 10th of June, 1842, the Rev.
Robert Knox was installed as his assistant and successor.
Mr. Whiteside died on the 14th of April, 1843. Mr. Knox
(afterwards Dr. Knox of Belfast), resigned the pastoral
charge on the 27th of March, 1843 ; and on the 8th of
August of the same year the Rev. Hugh Porter, formerly
minister of 2nd Dunboe, was installed as the pastor of this
congregation. Mr. Poi-ter died on the 9th of June, 1847 ;
and was succeeded by the Rev. James Alfred Canning, who
had formerly been minister of Mourne, and who was installed
here on the 11th of April, 1848. Mr. Canning died on the
9th of June, 1864 ; and on the 15th of March, 1865, the
Rev. Robert Wallace was installed as the minister of this
congregation.
COMBER 1st.
The first minister here was the Rev. James Gordon, who
was ordained by the Presbytery of Down, about the year
1645. Mr. Gordon was deposed for nonconformity, in 1661,
but afterwards conformed. He was succeeded by the Rev.
98 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.
John Hamilton, who retired to Scotland, at the time of the
troubles in 1689. Mr. Hamilton was subsequently appointed
one of the ministers of Edinburgh. In 1687, and during the
ministry of Mr. Hamilton, Mr. John Binning opened a
philosophy school at Comber, where some candidates for the
ministry received part of their education ; but the scheme
was interrupted by the revolution, and never resumed. Mr.
Hamilton was succeeded by the Eev. Thomas Orr, who was
ordained by the Presbytery of Down, in the year 1695. Mr.
Orr continued in this charge till his death, in 1722. He was
succeeded by the Eev. John Orr, probably his son, who was
ordained here, January 6th, 1724. He joined the non-
subscribing Presbytery of Antrim, and the meeting-house
having been seized by those adhering to the Synod, in July,
1 726, the congregation continuing to worship therein,
obtained, as their minister, the Eev. Robert Cunningham,
who was ordained here, by the Presbytery of Bangor, October
22nd, 1728. Becoming infirm, he demitted the charge in
1722, and died in February, 1776. He was succeeded by the
Eev. William Henry, who had formerly been minister of the
second congregation of Dromore. Mr. Henry was father of
the Eev. Thomas Henry, minister of Eandalstown, and
grandfather of the late Eev. P. S. Henry, D.D., President of
Queen's College, Belfast. Mr. Henry died June 19th, 1789,
and was succeeded by the Eev. John M'Cance, who was
ordained here, June 15th, 1790. Mr. M'Cance, becoming in-
firm, demitted the charge in 1837, and the Eev. Isaac Nelson *
was ordained as his assistant, on the 27th August, 1838. In
March, 1842, Mr. Nelson removed to Belfast, and on the 9th
of May, 1843, the Eev. J. M. Killen (afterwards D.D.) was
ordained to the pastoral charge. Mr. M'Cance died on the
4th of November, 1843. One of the Colville family granted
for ever, at a small rent, to the congregation of Comber, the
plot of ground on which the meeting-house and manse now
stand. The grant was made before the time of the revolution.
About half a century afterwards, the Colville property was
purchased by the ancestor of the present Lord Londonderry.
Dr. Killen died on the 3rd of September, 1879, and was
succeeded by Mr. John M'Keown, who was ordained here on
the 23rd of March, 1880. Mr. M'Keown has recently
removed to Birmingham.
* Late M.P. for Mayo.
HISTORY OP CONGREGATIONS, 99
COMBER 2nd.
This congregation was erected in 1838, and its first
minister was Mr. John Eogers, who was ordained here on
the 27th of March, 1839. In 1869 Mr. (now Dr.) Eogers
was elected Professor of Sacred Ehetoric in Assembly's
College, Belfast. He was succeeded by the Eev. James
Niblock, who was installed here on the 17th of Jime, 1873.
Mr. Niblock, having accepted a call from a congregation in
the Established Church of Scotland, resigned the charge in
the summer of 1877, and was succeeded by Mr. David A.
Taylor, who was ordained here on the 4th of December, 1877.
CONLIG.
The congregation of 1st Bangor has been one of the most
prolific in the General Assembly. Within the memory of
many still living, it has given birth to no less than five other
congregations, viz., Conlig, Bally gilbert. Bally grainey, Groom-
sport, and 2nd Bangor. The late John Sinclair, Esq., of
Belfast, father-in-law of the Eev.W. Fleming Stevenson, D.D.,
of Eathgar, was mainly instrumental in the establishment of
the congregation of Conlig. Mr. Sinclair erected entirely at
his own exjiense the handsome church in which the congrega-
tion now meets for worship. The district was then much
more populous than it is at j^resent, as the lead mines in the
neighbourhood gave much employment. The first minister
was Mr. Samuel Hamilton, who was ordaiaed here on the
24th of February, 1846. Mr. Hamilton removed to 1st
Saintfield in February, 1854, and was succeeded by Mr. S. J.
Hanson, who was ordained here on the 22nd of August, 1854.
Mr. Hanson removed to Kingstown in January, 1860, and was
succeeded by Mr. William Craig, who was ordained here on
the 4th of September, 1860. Mr. Craig died in 1872, and was
succeeded by Mr. David Gordon, who was ordained here on
the 7th of January, 1873. Mr. Gordon on his removal to
New Zealand, resigned this charge on the 14th of Febi'uary,
1884 ; and was succeeded here by Mr. Hugh Porter, who was
ordained here on the 8th of October, 1884.
CONNOE.
The first minister of this congregation was Mr. Eobert
100 HISTOEY OF CONGREGATIONS.
Dewart, who was put on trial, with a view of his settlement
here, in March, 1658, and ordained soon after. In 1661,
after the Restoration, he was deposed by Bishop Taylor, and
thus his ministry here terminated. Mr. Thomas Gowan,
formerly minister of Glasslough, supplied the congregation,
without being fixed in the charge, from 1667 to 1671. On
March 27th, 1672, Mr. David Cunningham was ordained
minister. Having arrived from Scotland the year preceding,
he was entered on trials by the Presbytery in August, 1671,
and licensed in October. Such was the intolerance of the
period that the ministers dare not venture on a public
ordination at Connor. He was, in consequence, ordained
privately at Caimcastle, Mr. Patrick Adair presiding. The
Presbytery entered upon their records a declaration to the
effect that " it was not convenient for him to preach at
Connor for some time in their jjresent circumstances." Mr.
Cunningham accordingly went to Scotland, and returned in
July, when the elders, in the presence of the Presbytery, and
in the name of the congregation, received him as their
minister. In February, 1674, Mr. John Blacklow appeared
as the commissioner of the congregation before the Presby-
tery, and stated that " their kindness and dutifulness to
their minister was considerable, tho' their quota came not
altogether up to their expectation." In 1688, James Brown,
on behalf of the congregation, stated to the Pi'esbytery that
they " would bestir themselves to get ijp arrears due to Mr.
Cunningham, when victual came into their hands." About
this time Mr. Cunningham, in consequence of declining
health, expressed a wish to return to his native air in Scot-
land. The Presbytery gave him permission to do so ; but he
did not leave this country until March, 1689, when the
troubles forced him to fly. In April, 1691, he again
returned ; and in June following the commissioner of the
congregation, James Brown, promised that he should receive
d£30 in hand, and have security for ^624, with from eight to
twelve bolls of corn yearly. They also promised to repair
his house. Mr. Cunningham died May 21st, 1697. He was
succeeded by Mr. Robert Murdoch, who was ordained
December 6th, 1699. His ministry was short, as he died in
June, 1702. The next minister was Mr. Charles Masterton,
who appeared before the Synod in 1703, with his license from
the Presbytery of Linlithgow, and who was ordained May
17th, 1704. Mr. Masterton was one of the most distinguished
HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 101
ministers of the Synod, and a staunch advocate of orthodoxy —
then beginning to be attacked. In the month of February,
1723, he was removed to the congregation of Rosemary
Street, Belfast. He was succeeded by Mr. Robert M' Master,
who was ordained here by the Presbytery of Antrim, March
18th, 1724. In 1729 Mr. M'Master received a call from the
congregation of Usher's Quay, Dublin. The congregation of
Connor opposed his removal, and sent Messrs. James Dickie,
William Harpur, and Samuel Blakely as their commissioners
to the Synod, to j^rotest against it ; but the Synod deemed it
expedient to permit him to go to Dublin. The congregation
now remained a considerable time vacant ; but at length, in
August, 1733, Mr. Thomas Fowler was ordained here by the
Presbytery of Templepatrick. His ministry was brief, as he
died in June, 1736. The next minister, Mr. James Cochrane,
was ordained by the Presbytery of Route, February 14th,
1738. He died December 19th, 1770, leaving a widow and
family ; and was succeeded by Mr. James Brown, who was
ordained here February 27th, 1775. He demitted his charge
here August 1st, 1788. The next minister was Mr. Henry
Henry, who had previously been settled at Carvagh, and who
was installed here December 9th, 1788. Becoming infirm,
Mr. David Hamilton was ordained his assistant September
29th, 1829. Mr. Hamilton resigned this charge, and removed
to York Street congregation, Belfast, in January, 1840. He
was succeeded by Mr. John Hamilton Moore, who was
ordained here 6th July, 1840. Mr. Henry died the November
following. Mr. Moore (now D.D.)* on his removal to Belfast,
in 1862, resigned this charge ; and was succeeded by Mr.
John S. M'Intosh, who was ordained here on the 5th of
November, 1862. Mr. M'Intosh removed to Belfast, and
resigned this charge in February, 1868 ; and was succeeded
by Mr. Samuel Lyle, who was ordained here on the 29th of
December, 1868. Mr. Lyle resigned the charge on the 1st
of January, 1878, on his removal to Canada ; and was suc-
ceeded by Mr. John C. Moore, who was installed here on the
28th of May of the same year. Mr. Moore resigned the
charge on the 20th of August, 1883 ; and was succeeded by
Mr. William Colvin, LL.D., who was installed here oa the
28th of February, 1884.
* The great Ulster awakening of 1S59 commenced in Connor congre-
gation under the ministry of Mr. Moore.
102 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.
CONVOY.
The parish of Raphoe formerly embraced that of Convoy,
and the meeting-house was erected on the Montgomery
estate at Convoy, though the minister was known in church
records as the minister of Raphoe. There were a consider-
able number of Presbyterians in the district in the former
half of the seventeenth century ; and in April, 1644, the
covenant was administered in the town of Raphoe to the whole
regiment of Sir Robert Stewart, and a great multitude from
the surrounding parishes, by the Revs. Messrs. Weir and
Adair, ministers from Scotland. Two curates, named Leslie
and Watson, opposed them, but without success. Mr. John
Crookshanks appears to have been the first minister. He
was succeeded by Mr. Samuel Haliday, who was ordained
here in 1664, and who removed to Omagh in 1677. In
February, 1678, Mr. James Alexander was ordained the
minister. In February, 1691, the congregation paid to him
.£24 per annum of yearly salary, and twenty-four barrels of
corn. He died November 17th, 1704. His successor was
Mr. David Fairly. His son, Robert Fairly, was thrice mayor
of the city of Derry, viz., in 1769, 1770, and 1782 ; and among
his descendants are the Rev. William M'Clure, late senior
minister of the first Presbyterian congregation of Derry,
and his brother, Sir Thomas M'Clure, Bart., one of the
original Trustees of the Belfast Presbyterian College.
Mr. Fairly was licensed in 1708, and ordained to the
charge of Convoy and Raphoe, March 21st, 1711. He
was an excellent minister, and the traditions of the neigh-
bourhood yet attest his integrity and piety. During
his ministry the people of Raphoe were erected into a separate
congregation; and in August, 1751, Mi\ James Cordon, who
had formerly been settled in Castleblayney, was installed to
the pastoral charge. Mr. Fairly died January 7th, 1776, at
a very advanced age. Mr. James Taylor was ordained August
28th, 1766, as his assistant and successor. The ministry of
Mr. Taylor was also very extended ; but, becoming infirm,
Mr. John Wray was ordained his assistant and successor,
March 13th, 1822. Mr. Taylor died on the 15th February,
1831, after a pastorate of 65 years. That of Mr. Fairly had
been of the same length. Mr. Wray died March 6th, 1858.
On the 23rd March, 1859, the Rev. Robert Beattie was
ordained to the pastoral charge.
HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 103
COOKSTOWN" 1st.
The first minister was Mr. John MacKenzie. He was
ordained here in the summer of 1673. He was in the City of
Deny during its famous siege, and published an account of
it, in which he shows that George Walker was very much of
a sham, that he would more than once hnve capitulated if he had
been peimitted, and that Colonel Adam Murray was the true
hero who upheld the Protestant cause in its last refuge. The
oongregation of Cookstown was originally called Derriloran.
In September, 1691, the people applied to the Synod for Mr.
MacKenzie's continuance with them, though they could not
promise him more than d£15 per annum of stipend. The
Synod recommended Moneymore, then vacant, to be joined
with them. Whether this was done, does not clearly appear;
but Mr. MacKenzie remained here till his death. He is said
to have died in 1696, aged 49 years. The next minister was
Mr. John M'Cleave, a licentiate of the Presbytery of Glasgow,
who was ordained here on the 5th of February, 1701. He
died in this charge on the 17th of June, 1749 ; and was suc-
ceeded by Mr. James Hall, who had been licensed in England,
and had been received by the Synod in 1749. He was
ordained to this charge on the 5th of August, 1752. In
January, 1763, he removed to Bangor, and was succeeded by
Mr. George Murray, who was ordained on the 10th of
December, 1765. He died in this charge on the 8th of
September, 1795, leaving a family.* The next minister was
Mr. John Davison, who was ordained here on the 26th of
September, 1797. In 1835, Mr. Davison resigned the pastoral
charge ; and, after many disputes, Mr. Alexander Fleming
was ordained on the 28th of March, 1837, as assistant and
successor to Mr. Davison. Meanwhile, a new congregation
had been formed ; and the first minister, Mr. John Knox
Leslie, who had been ordained in August, 1834, as a Home
Missionary, under the Synod of Ulster, was installed in the
new charge on the 11th of November, 1835. On the 15th of
April, 1846, Mr. Fleming resigned the charge of 1st Cooks-
town, having accepted a call to 1st Armagh ; and on the 11th
of August, 1846, Mr. Hamilton Brown Wilson (now D.D.,)
was ordained to the pastorate. Mr. Davison died on the 22nd
* Formerly the Synod of Ulster very frequently held its annual
meeting in Cookstown on account of its central position. The ministers
and elders travelled to it mostly on horseback.
104 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.
of November, 1847. The meeting-liouse was first placed in
the old town of Cookstown, where it continued till 1701,
when it was pulled down hj the rector. Mrs. Margaret
Stewart, of Killymoon, within three weeks, built a house, at
her own expense, within the demesne, where the congregation
worshipped till 1764. The present church is of recent
erection.
COOTEHILL.
This congregation was erected off the congregation of Drum
in 1718. Its first minister was Mr. Andrew Dean, who was
ordained here on the 9th of October, 1721. He died in this
charge in April, 1760, and was succeeded by Mr. Thomas
Stewart, who was ordained here on the 22nd of April, 1766.
Becoming infirm, Mr. John Johnston, was ordained here as
his assistant and successor on the 2nd of February, 1808.
Mr. (afterwards Dr.) Johnston, resigned this congregation on
his removal to Tullylish a few years afterwards ; and was
succeeded by Mr. Robert Camj)bell, who was ordained here
on the 8th of December, 1812. Mr. Stewart died on the
10th of December, 1816, leaving a family. On the 26th of
February, 1828, the connection between the congregation and
Mr. Campbell was dissolved by order of Synod ; and on the
same day Mr. James Bones was ordained to this charge. Mr.
Campbell afterwards removed to America. Mr. Bones be-
coming infirm, his congregation obtained leave to choose an
assistant, and Mr. John R. M'Cleery was ordained to the
pastoral charge on the 27th of September, 1870. Mr. Bones
died on the 23rd of August, 1884. Mr. M'Cleery, on his
removal to 1st Dromara, resigned this congregation on the
23rd of August, 1880 ; and was succeeded by Mr. W. M.
Henry, who was ordained here on the 7th of April, 1881.
CORBOY AND TULLY.
This congregation was originally known by the name of
Longford. It was early planted, but its first minister, who
was settled here about 1675, has not been ascertained. In
1697 Mr. John Mairs, of Loughbrickland, is transported
thither, when we find him complaining of the greatness of
his charge, " being at least ten miles over, and the two
places for preaching, in each other Sabbath, being five miles
HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 105
distant." In 1706 the Synod loosed his relation to this
people on account of " his intolerable grievances, his wife
losing her health, his own craziness, and the greatness of the
charge." He removed to Newtownards, and died there.
Their next minister was Mr. William Hare, ordained here
November 13th, 1708. He resigned the charge, and was
installed in Enniskillen in 1720. Their next minister was
Mr. James Bond, who was ordained here by the Presbytery
of Longford, February 20th, 1723. In 1731 he was called to
Armagh, but the Synod would not permit him to be removed.
He was the grandfather of the late Willoughby Bond, Esq., of
Para, County Longford, an attached member of the Irish Pres-
byterian Church, who in his time was perhaps the largest landed
proprietor connected with her communion. Mr. James Bond
died, aged seventy years, on the 11th September, 1762. He
was succeeded by Mr. Joseph Martin, who was ordained here
November 19th, 1765. He died in this charge June 19th,
1767, aged thirty years. He was succeeded by Mr. William
Fleming, formerly minister of Kingscourt, who was installed
here in 1767, and died in this charge July 25th, 1784. He
was succeeded by Mr. Robert Rodgers, formerly minister of
Minterburn, who was installed March 9th, 1785. He died
in March, 1791. The next minister was Mr. Joseph Osborne,
who was ordained here March 16th, 1792. In May, 1799,
he resigned the charge, and removed to Dungiven. The
next minister was Mr. James Wilson, who was ordained
March 5th, 1801. He died in September, 1816. He was
succeeded by Mr. Thomas Kennedy, son of Mr. Kennedy, of
Ballyjamesduff, who was ordained here May 17th, 1817. In
1839 he was suspended by the Synod — when he joined the
Remonstrants ; and was succeeded by Mr. John Henry,
formerly minister of Drumbanagher, who was installed here
by a committee of Synod, December 11th, 1839. On the 3rd
of May, 1843, Mr. Henry resigned the charge and removed to
Scotland. He was succeeded by Mr. John M'Cubbin, who
was ordained on the 1st of November, 1843. Mr. M'Cubbin
died in October, 1847, and the next minister was Mr. Robert
W. Fleming, who was ordained here on the 17th of March,
1848. Mr. Fleming having received a call to Coleraine,
demitted the charge of this congregation on the 15th of
October, 1860; and on the 31st of December, 1860, Mr.
Alexander Ferguson was installed as pastor. Mr. Ferguson,
having received a call from Creggs and Roscommon, resigned
106 HISTOET OF CONGREGATIONS.
this charge on the 15th of June, 1881 ; and was succeeded
bj Mr. William Burke, who was installed here on the 1st of
November of the same year.
COEK— TRINITY CHUECH.
A Presbyterian congregation existed in Cork at an early
period. In an account of a fund established in 1710 for the
support of the Presbyterian interest in the South of Ireland,
and published in 1815, we have the names of no less than
thirteen ministers who had preached there in succession. It
is further stated that, in 1718, when a sum of =£800 per
annum was added to the Regium Dommi, the one-half fell to
Presbyterian ministers in the South of Ireland, among whom
was the minister of Cork. But New Light at length made
its appearance in what was called the Southern Association,
or the Presbytery of Munster, and in consequence evangelical
religion languished and died. Upwards of fifty years ago
Orthodox Presbyterianism again asserted its position in the
city ; a congregation was erected in it by the Synod of Ulster ;
and on the 11th of September, 1834, the Eev. Henry
Wallace (now Professor Wallace, of Belfast Presbyterian
College), was installed as the minister. In consequence of
failing health, Mr. Wallace resigned this charge in the
beginning of April, 1837. He was succeeded by Mr. Edward
M. Dill, M.D., formerly minister of Coagh, who was installed
here od the 26th of August, 1838. On the 21st of September,
1846, Dr. Dill resigned the charge, having accepted the office
of General Itinerant Missionary Agent under the Directors
of the Home Mission; and on the 13th of January, 1847,
Mr. William Magill (now D.D.) was installed as minister.
Dr. Magill retired from the active duties of the pastorate in
1884 ; and Mr. Samuel Law Wilson, late of Dungannon, was
installed as his successor in December, 1884.
COELEA.
In 1816 a memorial was presented to the Synod of Ulster
in the name of upwards of one hundred families residing in
Bally train and its vicinity, promising d£50 a year of Stipend
to a minister, and praying to be erected into a congregation.
The memorial was referred to the Presbytery of Monaghan.
As they neglected to report to the next meeting of Synod,
HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 107
the business of the erection was meanwhile postponed. In
the year 1823 the application was renewed and granted. The
first minister was Mr. Matthew Adams, who was ordained
here by the Presbytery of Monaghan on the 11th of May,
1824. The congregation obtained Eegium Donum in 1827.
In 1833 Mr. Adams was disannexed from the congregation by
a committee of Synod ; but, conducting himself improperly
afterwards, he was eventually degi-aded. The next minister
was Mr. John Parr, who was ordained here on the 24th of
December, 1834. The congregation was, in 1835, entered on
the minutes of the Synod as Corlea, instead of Ballytraiu.
Mr. Parr died on the 14th of February, 1876, and was suc-
ceeded by Mr. James M'Kee,who was ordained to the pastoral
charge on the 19th of July, 1876. Mr. M'Kee resigned the
charge on the 5tb of February, 1878, having received a call
from Lowtherstown ; and was succeeded by Mr. James Knox,
who was ordained here on the 23rd of July, 1878. Mr. Knox
resigned the charge on the 21st of December, 1881, having
accepted a call from Alt ; and was succeeded by Mr. Alexander
Milligan, formerly of Ballycolla, who was installed here on
the 4th of April, 1882.
CEEGGAN.
The first notice we have of this congregation is the settle-
ment of Mr. Alexander M'Comb, who was ordained here by
the Presbytery of Killileagh on the 18th of April, 1733. He
demitted this charge on the 5th of January, 1795, and died
on the 3rd of June, 1797, leaving a widow and family. Mean-
while, Mr. Joseph Jackson was ordained his assistant on the
11th of June, 1795. Mr. Jackson's ministry was short, as
he died on the 17th of January, 1801. The next minister
was Mr. John Huey, who was ordained here on the 17th of
August, 1802. On the 25th of April, 1809, the Presbytery
dissolved the connection between the congregation and Mr.
Huey, on account of his intemperance and other irregularities.
He was succeeded by Mr. William Simpson Maclaine, who
was ordained here on the 20th December, 1809. Mr. Huey
was subsequently put under the care of the Presbytery of
Tyrone, and died April 26th, 1820. In consequence of
charges relating to certain money transactions, the Presbytery
of Armagh, on the 1st of May, 1832, suspended Mr. Maclaine
sine die, which sentence was confirmed by the Synod in June
108 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.
following. He died in December, 1835, leaving a family.
He was succeeded by Mr. Daniel Gunn Brown, who was
ordained by the Presbytery of Armagh on the 5th of March,
1833. On the 13th of May, 1835, the Presbytery dissolved
the connection between Creggan and Newton-Hamilton,
erected Creggan into a separate charge, and Mr. Brown con-
tinued in charge of Newton-Hamilton. The first minister of
Creggan, as a separate congregation, was Mr. Thomas
M' Williams, who was ordained here on the 27th of April,
1837. Mr. M'Williams becoming infirm, Mr. Thomas
Croskery was ordained his assistant on the 17th of July,
1860. Mr. Croskery (now D.D. ; and Professor of Theology
in Magee College), resigned the charge on the 25th of
February, 1863, on his removal to Clonakilty, and was suc-
ceeded by Mr. John Anderson, who was ord8,ined here on the
1st of September, 1863. Mr. M'Williams died on the 16th
of June of the same year. Mr. Anderson resigned this
charge on the 6th of May, 1879, having accepted a call from
Grey abbey ; and was succeeded by Mr. Robert J. Smyth,
who was installed here on the 26th of August, 1879. Mr.
Smyth, having accepted a call from Tartaraghan, resigned
this charge on the 6th of March, 1882 ; and was succeeded
by Mr. Robert R. Drysdale, who was installed here on the
23rd of May, 1882.
CROAGHMORE.
This congregation was erected in 1828. The first minister
was Mr. Robert J. Kennedy, who was ordained here by the
Presbytery of Route, on the 23rd of February, 1830. Mr.
Kennedy died in this charge on the 19th of August, 1851 ;
and on the 17th of August, 1852, Mr. William Ritchie was
ordained to the pastoral charge. Croaghmore is not far dis-
tant from the Giants' Causeway; and, in quarries there,
stones of the same conformation as those at the Causeway
may be seen.
CRUMLIN.
The parent settlement whence this congregation proceeded
was at Glenavy. At the erection of the congregation of
Ballinderry, properly so called in 1713, Glenavy was much
weakened ; and, to effect a reparation, it was proposed, in 1715,
that the meeting-house be removed to Crumlin, as Lower
Kilmacaret, which only paid £8 per annum, would, in that
HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 109
case, pay ,£13 per annum. Tlie first minister at this new
place was Mr. Thomas Crawford, son of Mr. Crawford, of
Carnmoney, who was ordained here by the Presbytery of
Belfast on the 10th of June, 1724. He died, July 5th, 1782,
leaving a widow and family ; and was succeeded by Mr. John
Gibson, who was ordained on the 18th of February, 1783.
He died in this charge on the 18th of July, 1796, leaving a
widow and family. Their next minister was Mr. Nat.
Alexander,* who was ordained here, September 3rd, 1799.
He separated from the Synod of Ulster in 1829. On the 6th
of February, 1838, the Presbytery of Templepatrick erected
the families in Crumlin who adhered to the Synod into a
congregation ; and the first minister was Mr. A. C. Canning,
son of the minister of Malin, who was ordained here on the
9th of October, 1838.
CULLYBACKET.
The first notice we find of this congregation is in connec-
tion with the ordination of Mr. James M'Creight by the
Presbytery of Route, on the 13th of December, 1730. He
died in this charge on the 12th of March, 1757. He was
succeeded by Mr. Alexander M'Mullan, who had been
minister of Broughshane, and who removed here in 1758.
Mr. M'Mullan demitted the charge in September, 1772, and
removed to America. He was succeeded by Mr. Robert
Christy, who was ordained hei'e on the 17th of August,
1773. He died in this charge on the 1st of August, 1818 ;
and was succeeded by Mr. William Cuthbertson, who was
oi-dained here on the 22nd September, 1818. Mr. Cuth-
bertson having resigned the charge of the congregation, Mr.
Hugh Hamilton was ordained on the 6th of May, 1832. Mr.
Cuthbertson died on the 27th of March, 1836. Mr. Hamilton
becoming infirm, Mr. George R. Buick was ordained on the
1st of February, 1868, as his assistant and successor. Mr.
Hamilton died on the 31st of July, 1882.
CUMBER, Co. Derry.
This congregation originally formed part of that of Glen-
dermot, and there is reason to believe that the famous Colonel
Adam Murray, the hero of the siege of DeiTy, was then con-
* Mr. Alexander had an Academy at Crumlin, which educated a
large number of highly respectable pupils.
110 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.
nected with it. It became a separate charge about 1717 ; and
its first minister was Mr. Major Murray, who was ordained
here on the 15th of April, 1718. He died in this charge in
February, 1751. He was succeeded by Mr. Samuel Patton,
who was ordained here on the 3i-d of July, 1 753. He died in
this charge on the 30th of June, 1799, leaving a family. The
next minister was Mr. James Allison, who was ordained here
on the 14th of September, 1800. Mr. Allison died on the
13th of September, 1853 ; and on the 27th of December
following, his son, the Rev. Samuel S. Allison, who had
previously been minister of Donegore, was installed as his
successor. On the 14th of November, 1867, Mr. Allison re-
signed the charge of Cumber, and returned to Donegore —
where he appeared to be the only minister likely to please the
congregation ; and on the 5th of May, 1868, Mr. S. M. Dill,
son of Professor Dill of Queen's College, Belfast, was ordained
to the pastoral charge of Cumber. This congregation is
commonly known as Lower Cumber, and is thus distinguished
from another congregation in the same Presbytery of Glen-
dermot, and which is called Upper Cumber. Mr. Dill, on
his removal to 1st Ballymena, resigned this charge in May,
1874 ; and was succeeded by Mr. Hugh Morrison, who was
ordained here on the 10th of November of the same year.
CUSHENDUN.
Cfshendun and Cushendall, two beautiful watering places
in the glens of Antrim, had at an early date some Presbyterian
settlers. In 1708 we find Mr. James Stuart minister at
Cushendall. He had previously resigned the charge of the
congregation of Macosquin. The place was not, however,
sufficient to support a minister ; and Mr. Stuart obtained
special aid from a fund then at the disposal of the Synod
of Ulster. He died here on the 22nd of March, 1719. For
a long time afterwards there was no Presbyterian minister
settled in this district ; and those of our communion who
resided there had to travel far when they wished to enjoy
Presbyterian ordinances. At length a movement was made
to revive the Presbyterian interest in this locality ; and in
November, 1848, the Presbytery of Ballymena, in conjunction
with the Presbytery of Route, formed the Presbyterians of
the Glens into a congregation. The site of the meeting-
house led to much discussion ; but, in the end, it was
HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. Ill
arranged that it should be erected between Cushendall and
Cushendun. On the 23rd of October, 1849, Mr. Charles
Gillis was ordained here by the Presbytery of Ballymena.
DEEVOCK.
This congregation was originally known by the name of
Derrykeichan. We find Mr. John Baird settled here in 1646.
The minister immediately before the Revolution was Mr.
Robert Stirling. In 1688 he fled to Scotland and officiated
at Stevenson till 1695, when he returned to Ireland, and died
in this charge in 1699. He was uncle to John Stirling, who
was Principal of Glasgow College in the early part of the
eighteenth century. He was succeeded as minister of Dervock
by his son, Thomas Stirling, who was ordained here June
22nd, 1 703. He died in this charge on the 20th of November,
1718 ; and was succeeded by Mr. John Orr, who was ordained
here October 29th, 1723. Mr. Orr died December 5th, 1745.
The next minister was Mr. Joseph Douglass, who was
ordained here April 9th, 1751. Becoming infirm, he obtained
as his assistant Mr. Alexander Martin, who was ordained
here May 18th, 1790. Mr. Douglass died December 14th,
1799. Mr. Martin becoming infirm, obtained as his assistant
Mr. Joseph Bellis, who was ordained here September 11th,
1827. Mr. Martin died September 21st, 1838. Mr. Bellis
becoming infirm, obtained as his assistant Mr. Alexander
Field, who was ordained here on the 2nd of September, 1857.
Mr. Bellis died on the 31st of July, 1872.
DONAGHADEE 1st.
The first minister of whom we have any record here was
Mr. Nevin, who had previously been an Episcopalian, but
who became a Presbyterian in 1642. He was succeeded by
Mr. Andrew Stewart, son to Mr. A. Stewart, minister of
Donegore. He was ordained here about the year 1658. He
suffered many severe trials and persecutions, but died in this
charge, January 2nd, 1671. The next notice of this congre-
gation does not occur till 1697, when we find the Presbytery
of Down stating to the Synod of Ulster, " that they used
their best endeavours to bring Mr. Henry Hamilton to
Donaghadee, but to none effect." It continued vacant till
this object was at last accomplished ; and Mr. Hamilton, who
112 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.
had been minister first of Falkland, and afterwards of
Currie, was installed here in February, 1701. He was the son
of the Rev. A. Hamilton, of Bangor. He died in this charge
in August, 1730. The commissioner of the congregation to
the Synod, in 1731, was Joseph Madowell, Esq. They had
called Mr. M'Bride, of Ballymoney, and Lord Mount
Alexander had written to the Presbytery of Route, requesting
them to permit him to remove to Donaghadee ; but the Synod
appointed him to continue in Ballymoney. Their next minister
was Mr. James Maxwell Stewart, ordained here, March 7th,
1733. He died in this charge, June 2nd, 1743; and was
succeeded by Mr. William Wai-nock, ordained here by the
Presbytery of Bangor, May 20th, 1747. He died, January
19th, 1768, leaving a widow and family ; and was succeeded
by Mr. John Adams, ordained by the Presbytery of Bangor,
December 8th, 1772. He died, January 9th, 1779, leaving
neither widow nor family. Their next minister was Mr.
Alexander Goudy, ordained here, March 14th, 1780. His
relation to this congregation was dissolved by the Presbytery,
June 30th, 1791, and he emigrated to America. He was suc-
ceeded by Mr. James Knox, formerly minister at Drum-
banagher, who was installed here, March 18th, 1794. On the
1st of May, 1798, Mr. Knox resigned this charge on account of
mental infirmity. Their next minister was Mr. John Arnold,
ordained here on the 11th of June, 1799. Mr. Knox died
March 22nd, 1801; and Mr. Arnold died, August 10th, 1811,
leaving a widow and family. Their next minister was Mr.
William Skelly, ordained here, September 15th, 1812. In
August, 1819, he was suspended swie die for alleged immorality,
and the congregation declared vacant. The next minister
was Mr. John M'Aulay, who was ordained here on the 4th of
June, 1822. A pai't of the congregation still adhered to Mr.
Skelly, and a second meeting-house was erected by them in
Donaghadee. On the 10th of January, 1849, the Rev. W. J.
Skelly, son of Mr. Skelly, was ordained by the Presbytery of
Belfast to the pastoral charge of this congregation. In 1856,
a commission of the General Assembly was appointed to re-
consider the case of Mr. Skelly, sen. This commission agreed
on the expediency of restoring him to the ministerial status.
Some members protested against this finding ; but before the
case could come before the annual meeting of 1857, for final
adjudication, Mr, Skelly died. Mr. M'Aulay becoming infirm,
obtained as his assistant Mr. William Witherow, who was
HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 113
ordained here on the 3rd of March, 1874. Mr. M'Aulay died
on the 27th of February, 1879. Mr. Witherow, on his re-
moval to Killyleagh, resigned this charge on the 16th of
March, 1882 ; and was succeeded by Mr. Samuel Walker,
who was installed here on the 25th of July, 1882.
DONAGHADEE 2nd.
The origin of this congregation is given in the account of
1st Donaghadee. It may be added that Mr. W. J. Skelly
died on the 20th of July, 1875 ; and was succeeded by Mr.
William Weir Hamilton (now LL.D.), who was ordained
here on the 23rd of March, 1876.
DONAGHEADY 1st.
The first minister mentioned as connected with Donagheadv
is Mr. John Hamilton, who was ordained here in 1658. In
1688 he retired to Scotland, but he must soon have returned,
as he was in DeiTy during the siege. He probably died
shortly afterwards. The next minister was Mr. Thomas
Winsley, who had been licensed by the Presbytery of Edin-
burgh, and had come to Ireland in 1698. He was ordained
here by the Presbytery of Lagan on the 18th of January,
1699 ; he died October 28th, 1736. lie was succeeded by
Mr. William Armstrong, who was ordained here by the
Presbytery of Strabane on the 21st of July, 1741. He died
in this charge on the 17th of May, 1761 ; and was succeeded
by Mr. James Turbit, who was ordained here on the 19th of
June, 1764. He died June 14th, 1783, leaving a widow and
family. The next minister was Mr. Hugh Hamil, ordained
here on the 4th of March, 1784. He died December 7th,
1803, leaving a widow and family ; and was succeeded by
Mr. William M'Crea, ordained here December 13th, 1804.
He died suddenly on the 17th of June, 1832, leaving neither
widow nor family. The next minister was Mr. Samuel
T. Wray, ordained here March 7th, 1833. Mr. Wray
becoming infirm, obtained as his assistant Mr. John Roul-
stone, who was ordained here on the 19th of January, 3 860.
Mr. Wray died on the 16th of September, 1863.
114 HISTORY OF CONGBEGATIONS.
DONAGHEADY 2nd.
This congregation originated in disputes relative to the
appointment of a minister in the old congregation. The new
congregation was annexed to the Presbytery of Letterkenny,
Its first minister was Mr. Robert Wirling, formerly of Kilrea,
who was installed here on the 13th of August, 1741. He
died in this charge in April, 1765. Mr. John M'Mean had
previously been ordained his assistant on the 15th of July,
1762. He was deposed in October, 1777; and was succeeded
by Mr. John Holmes, who was ordained here on the 13th of
April, 1779. Mr. Holmes, becoming infirm, resigned the
charge in 1830 ; and was succeeded by Mr. Francis Porter,
who was ordained here on the 28th of July, 1831. Mr.
Holmes died on the 5th November of the same year. Mr.
Porter died on the 22nd of November, 1872 ; and was suc-
ceeded by Mr. George Magill, formerly of Cork, who was
installed here on the 23rd of April, 1874. Mr. Magill, on
his removal to Belfast, resigned this charge on the 11th of
November, 1880 ; and was succeeded by Mr. Robert Frizell,
who was ordained here on the 19th of May, 1881.
DONEGAL.
This congregation was formerly called Raneny. We have
no notices of it before the Revolution. In March, 1698, we
find it jDresenting a call to Mr. Thomas Craighead, and
promising to advance half a year's salary towards defraying
the charge of transporting his family from Scotland. He
accepted their call, and Mr. Alexander, of Raphoe, served
the edict at Mountcharles. Mr. Craighead was ordained on
the 6th July, 1698. He either died about 1714, or went to
America, but thei'e is no mention either of his death or
removal in the Synod's records. He was succeeded by Mr.
John Holmes, who had been received by the Synod from the
Presbytery of Lanark in 1713, and was ordained here on the
27th September, 1715. He was called to Ardstraw in 1731,
but the Synod decided that he should remain here. He
■removed to the 2nd congregation of Glendermot in April,
1744. Their next minister was Mr. Andrew Hamilton, who
vas ordained here on the 26th of December, 1744. He died
in December, 1763, leaving a widow ; and was succeeded by
Mr. Robert Caldwell, who was ordained to the joint charges
HISTOET OF CONGREGATIONS. 116
of Donegal, Motintcharles, and Beleek on tlie 16tli of June,
1767. His call from these united congregations, dated 18th
August, 1766, was in 1865 in possession of his very worthy
grandson, Samuel Crawford, Esq., solicitor, Ballyshannon.
Mr. Caldwell was married to the daughter of the Rev.
Samuel Delap, minister of Letterkenny. Mr. Delap's wife,
whose name was Sarah, was the daughter of the Rev. Robert
Campbell, minister of Ray, who had fled from Scotland
rather than take the oath of unqualified obedience to
Charles II., and settled at Ray in 1671. Mr. Delap's direct
ancestor four generations back, that is, in 1580, resided near
Irvine in Ayrshire. Mr. Caldwell was succeeded in Donegal
by Mr. William Houston, who was ordained here March 2nd,
1791. Becoming infirm, Mr. Samuel Thompson was ordained
his assistant and successor on the 18th of March, 1824. Mr.
Houston died on the 1st of June, 1831. In May, 1834,
Ballyshannon was separated from Donegal, and erected into
a distinct congregation. Mr. Thompson becoming infirm,
the Rev. Archibald Lowry was installed as his assistant and
successor on the 29th of August, 1861. Mr. Lowry died on
the 12th of Januaiy, 1881 ; and was succeeded by Mr.
William Waddell, who was ordained here on the 19th of
October, 1881. Mr. Waddell, having accepted a call from
Knappagh, resigned this charge in the spring of 1884.
Early in the century a Seceding congregation was erected in
the town, and Mr. William Niblock (afterwards D.D.), who
was ordained the minister, collected the funds needed for
building a church. Dr. Niblock died on the 23rd of July,
1868, and was succeeded by Mr. Robert Neilson, who was
ordained here on the 30th of September of the same year.
The two congregations meanwhile remained weak ; and, on
the resignation of Mr. Waddell, they agreed to amalgamate
— Mr. Neilson undertaking to conduct an afternoon service
for the convenience of the people of Raneny.
DONEGORE 1st.
The first minister of this congregation was Mr. Andrew
Stewart. Several interesting particulars respecting him are
to be found in the well-known book entitled, " Fleming's
Fulfilling of the Scriptures." He commenced his ministry
in this parish about the year 1627, and after seven years
labour, died in September, 1634, aged 36. His tombstone is
116 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.
in Donegore churcli-yard, and his character is given by
Livingstone in his " Memorable Characteristics." The next
minister was Mr. Thomas Crawford, son-in-law to the preced-
ing. He was settled here bv the Presbytery on the 28th of
August, 1655, the congregation having been destitute of a
gospel ministry since the death of Mr. Stewart. He was de-
posed by Bishop Jeremy Taylor, and his tombstone in the
church-yard relates that he died in December, 1670, aged 45.
The next minister was Mr. William Shaw, ordained by the
Presbytery of Antrim, in 1671, in a private manner, as
prelatic persecution was then so severe that the ministers
dare not venture on a public celebration. He demitted the
charge in consequence of increasing infirmity, in 1687. There
were then eight elders in the conj^regation. Mr. John Stor-
mont and Mr. J. M'lveig appeared as commissioners to the
Presbytery after the resignation of Mr. Shaw. His arrears
were secured bv Mr. Henry Shaw and Mr. Alexander Adair.
In February, 1688, Mr. Crawford, Mr. Adair, and Mr. Henry
Shaw, appeared at the Presbytery with a unanimous call to
Mr. Francis Iredell, who had been entered on trials in May,
1683, and licensed in March following. He was ordained
here June 19th, 1688, Mr. Anthony Kennedy, of Temple-
patrick, j^reaching and presiding. Mr. Shaw died the next
month. In 1697, Mr. Iredell was ordered to remove to
Armagh; but he refused compliance, and was, inconsequence,
rebuked by the Synod, though permitted to remain in Done-
gore. In December, 1699, he removed to Capel Street congre-
gation, Dublin. Mr. Iredell was one of the most distinguished
ministers of the Synod during his day. He was frequently in
London on the public business of the Church, and, in 1715, in
company with Mr. Upton, of Templepatrick,* he waited as a
deputation from the Synod, on George I., after his arrival in
England. On his return, Mr. Iredell reported that his Majesty
received them very graciously, and appeared sensibly concerned
when told of the grievances under which they laboured. His
successor in this congregation was Mr. Alexander Brown,
ordained here December 3rd, 1702. The ministry of Mr.
Brown exceeded half a century. In 1754, the people applied
to the Presbytery for supplies ; and Mr. John Wright was
ordained, April 15th, 1755, as assistant and successor to Mr.
Brown. Mr. Wright was married to one of the Adairs of
* Ancestor of Lord Templetown. The Upton family remained con-
niH'ted with the Irish PresbyierianChurch until their removal to England.
HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 117
Lo-ugbmorne. Mr. Brown died, January 2nd, 1758. Mr.
Wright becomiug infirm, Mr. James Crawford Ledlie was
ordained his assistant and successor, April 8th, 1806. Mr.
Wright died, May 1st, 1807, and Mr. Ledlie (afterwards
D.D.), resigned. May 10th, 1808, and removed to Lame.
After much disputing, Mr. Henry Cooke, formerly minister
of Dunean, was installed here, January 22nd, 1811. Mr.
Cooke (afterwards D.D., LL.D), resigned this charge, July
6th, 1818, and removed to the congregation of Killyleagh.
'i'Lioir next minister was Mr. James Seaton Reid, ordained
here, July 20th, 1819. Mr. Reid (afterwards D.D. and Pro-
fessor of Church History in the University of Glasgow),
resigned this charge, July 6th, 1823, and removed to Carrick-
fergus. He was succeeded l)y Mr. John Dogherty, who was
ordained here, December 21st, 1824. Becoming intemperate,
he was, in March, 1836, suspended from the exercise of his
ministry by a committee of Synod, and subsequently suspen-
ded sine die. He died under melancholy circumstances,
February 18th, 1837. After a protracted vacancy, the con-
gregation chose Mr. Samuel S. Allison, son of the minister
of Cumber, County Derry, who was ordained here, January
8th, 1839. In December, 1853, Mr. Allison resigned the
charge of the congregation, on his removal to Cumber, County
Den-y, and was succeeded by Mr. William John Grillespie,
who was ordained here on the 5th of December, 1854. Mr.
Gillespie, on his removal to Australia, resigned this charge
on the 7th of May, 1867; and was succeeded by Mr. S. S.
Allison, who thus returned to his former charge. Mr. Allison,
becoming infirm, withdrew from the active duties of the
ministry in May, 1883 ; and was succeeded by Mr. Alexander
M'Kinney, who was ordained here on the 4th of March, 1884.
Mr. Allison died on the 19th of November, 1884.
DONOUGHMORE, Co. Down.
This congregation was erected off that of Newry in 1705
during the vacancy there caused by the death of Mr. Lang.
The first minister was Mr. James Johnson, who was ordained
by the Presbytery of Armagh on the 23x-d of June, 1707. In
the following year the Synod annexed Drumbanagher and the
Glen to this new erection to enable it to maintain its minister.
Mr. Johnson becoming infirm, Mr. James Richey was ordained
here as his assistant on the 27th of June, 1763. Mr. Johnson
118 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.
died October 20tli, 1765, leaving a widow and family. Mr.
Eichey died in this charge on the 7th of December, 1771,
leaving a widow and family. He was succeeded by Mr.
Joseph Hay, who was ordained here on the 9th of March,
1773. He died in this charge on the 15th of May, 1803,
leaving a widow and family. The next minister was Mr.
Moses Findlay, who was ordained here on the 4th September,
1804. In 1837 reports injurious to Mr. Findlay's reputation
led to an investigation by the Presbytery, when he resigned
the charge with all its emoluments. The next minister was
Mr. Verner M. White, who was ordained here in 1840. Mr.
White resigned the charge on the 5th of July, 1844, having
accepted a call from Liverpool. He was succeeded by Mr. S.
J. Moore, who was installed here on the 28th of October, 1845.
Mr. Moore resigned the charge on the 20th of August, 1850.
having accepted a call from Ballymena ; and was succeeded
by Mr. Patrick White, who was installed here on the 11th of
March, 1851. Mr. White resigned the charge on the 26th of
February, 1862 ; and was succeeded by Mr. John Elliott, who
was installed here on the 29th of December, 1862. Mr.
Elliott resigned the charge in 1875 ; and was succeeded by
Mr. Henry M'Dowell, ordained here 18th January, 1876.
Mr. M'Dowell retired from the discharge of active duty, on
account of declining health, in July 1881 ; and was succeeded
by Mr. Lawson Burnett, who was installed here on the 21st
of December, 1881. Mr. M'Dowell died on the 25th of
December, 1882.
DONOUGHMORE, Co. Donegal.
The first minister of this congregation was Mr. Eobert
Craghead, who was settled here in 1658. After the Restora-
tion, Mr. Craghead was deposed by Bishop Leslie. He
became minister of Derry in 1690, and there distinguished
himself in a controversy with Dr. King, bishop of the diocese.
Mr. Craghead was succeeded in Donoughmore by Mr. Joshua
Fisher, who was settled here in 1694. Mr. Fisher died
March 11, 1706, and the following inscription on his tomb-
stone in Donoughmore churchyard is still legible : —
" The man whose dust under this stone doth ly
Lov'd much the honour of his God on hy ;
Those that did ill he could not bear, therefore
Th' abuse was great he suffered on that score."
Mr. Fisher was succeeded by Mr. Francis Laird, who was
HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 119
ordained to tlie pastoral charge September 1st, 1709. Mr.
Laird married the daughter of Captaia Henderson, mentioned
in the History of the Presbyterian Church in IreLand, (vol. iii.,
page 40, notes, second edition) ; and from this pair Sir
Thomas M'Clure, D.L., Bart., is lineally descended. Captain
Henderson, the father-in-law of Mr. Laird, was married to
the sister of Sir Harry Cairns, baronet. Mr. Laird died
June 7th, 1742 ; and was succeeded by Mr. Benjamin Holmes,
who was ordained to the pastoral charge October 25th, 1744.
Mr. Holmes died in February, 1798 ; and was succeeded by
Mr. Samuel Dill (father of the Rev. S. M. Dill, D.D., of Magee
College), who was ordained to the pastoral charge July 16th,
1799. Becoming infirm, Mr. Alexander Caldwell was ordained
as his assistant on the 14th of August, 1844. Mr. Dill died
in December, 1845. Mr. Caldwell removed to Australia in
1864 ; and was succeeded by Mr. Robert Smyth, who was
ordained here on the 30th of March, 1865.
DOUGLASS.
This congregation separated from Clady, with which it
had been previously connected, in 1831. The first minister
was Mr. James Alexander, who was ordained here by the
Presbytery of Letterkenny on the 3rd of November, 1831.
Becoming infirm, Mr. Robert Dick was ordained as his
assistant on the 12th of March, 1868. Mr. Alexander died
sometime afterwards.
DOWNPATRICK.
The earliest minister of whom we have any account here
was Mr. John Fleming. He was deposed in 1661 by Jeremy
Taylor, Bishop of Down and Connor, for nonconformity ; but
we do not know what became of him afterwards. His suc-
cessor was Mr. Archibald Young, who was ordained in June,
1673. He took refuge in Scotland at the Revolution, and
in May, 1690, signified his willingness to return to his charge;
but it seems probable he did not do so, as Mr. John Hutcliin-
son was ordained here during the same year. Mr. Hutchinson
was called to Armagh in 1694, but the Presbytery of Down
did not permit him to remove at that time. He did so
eventually in 1697. We find Mr. Thomas Jackson here in
1700 ; and he died in this charge on the 2nd of November,
1708. His successor was Mr. Thomas Nevin, who was
120 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.
ordained to this charge on the 20th of November, 1711. He
joined the non-subscribing Presbytery of Antrim in 1725,
and died here in March, 1744. The congregation was now
under the care of a succession of ministers of suspected
orthodoxy, among whom was Mr. William Nevin, who
resigned the ministry, and became a physician. In 1791
Mr. James Neilson was ordained to this charge. Mr. Neilson
died on the 28th of January, 1838. Meanwhile Mr. S. C.
Nelson became the minister. In August, 1825, certain
families in the town and neighbourhood applied to the
Presbytery of Dromore, connected with the Synod of Ulster,
for preaching, which was granted ; and the Presbytery after-
wards erected them into a congregation. About this time
the pious Captain Hamilton Rowan * was governor of Down-
patrick Jail, and he was mainly instrumental in promoting
the establishment of the new erection. The first minister
was Mr. William D. Stewart, who was ordained here on the
29th of March, 1827. He was a very acceptable and able
minister, but his career was brief. He died here on the 21st
of July, 1831. He was succeeded by Mr. James A. Canning,
son of Mr. Canning, minister of Malin. He was ordained
here by the Presbytery of Dromore on the 4th of September,
1832. Mr. Canning resigned this charge on the 1st of
October, 1839, and removed to Mourne. He was succeeded
by Mr. William White, formerly minister of Killyshandra,
who was installed here on the 1st of November, 1839.
DEOGHEDA.
In 1708 the Presbyterians of Drogheda suj)plicated the
Synod of Ulster for a supply of religious ordinances. The
application was granted ; and in 1710 the people gave a call
to Mr. Hugh Henry, a licentiate of the Down Presbytery, who
was ordained here by the Presbytery of Armagh on the 27th
of March, 1711. Mr. Henry died in this charge on the 1st
of August, 1744. At the meeting of the Synod in 1745 the
people, at their own request, were transferred to the body
known as " The Southern Association." What was called
"the new light" was then making much progress in many
Presbyterian congregations ; and under its blighting in-
* Captain Kowan, who was nearly related to the present Lady
Dufferin, gave influential support to Dr. Cooke throughout the Arian
controversy.
HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 121
fluence religion did not flourish in Drogheda. In the begin-
ning of the present century Presbyterianism was all but
extinguished in the place. About that time the Secession
Church began to send preachers to it ; and in 1822 the Rev.
Josias Wilson, who had previously been minister of Tassagh,
was installed in the charge of a newly-erected congregation.
Mr. Wilson laboured here for years with great acceptance and
success. In 1836 he was transferred to the newly-erected
couti'regation of Townsend Street, Belfast ; and was succeeded
in L>rogheda by Mr. Samuel Boyd. On the 4th of May, 1842,
Mr. Boyd resigned the pastoral charge ; and was succeeded by
Mr. Thomas Logan, who was installed here on the 16th of
August of the same year. Mr. Logan resigned the pastoral
charge on the 29th of June, 1871. In consequence of increas-
ing physical debility, Mr Logan, in 1865, had applied to the
Assembly for leave to the congregation to choose an assistant ;
and on the 8th of November of that year Mr. A. E,. Crawford
(now LL.D.), was accordingly ordained to the pastoral charge.
DROMAEA 1st.
This congregation was originally a part of Dromore. In
1713 the Synod of Ulster erected it into a distinct congrega-
tion — annexing to it the townlands of Tullyniskey, Enoch,
Girvachy, Fedoney, and Carnew, belonging to Magherally
congregation; with those of Killalen, Leppoch, and the upper
half of the townland. of Ballykeel belonging to Dromore con-
gregation. The first minister was Mr. John Campbell, who
was ordained here by the Presbytery of Armagh, December
13th, 1715. He died in this charge June 25th, 1724; and
was succeeded by Mr. John King, who had been licensed by
the Presbvtery of St. Andrews, in Scotland, and was received
by the Synod in 1719. He was ordained here by the Presby-
tery of Armagh, December 14th, 1726. Mr. King died
November 9th, 1762,; and was succeeded by Mr. James
Birch, who was ordained here by the Presbytery of Dromore,
August 12th, 1764. Becoming infirm, his grandson, Mr.
James Birch Black, was ordained his assistant and successor,
July 30th, 1816. Mr. Birch died November 10th, 1820.
On the L3th of May, 1823, Mr. Black was suspended sine die
for drunkenness. Their next minister was Mr. William
Craig, formerly minister of Carnmoney, who was installed
here December 26th, 1823. Mr. Craig died on the 22nd of
122 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.
December, 1871 ; and after his death the congregation was
greatly disturbed by disputes respecting the choice of a
successor. There was in the end a strong secession to the
Reformed Presbyterians, who illegally toolc possession of the
meeting-house, and held it until compelled by legal proceed-
ings to give it up. After a lengthened vacancy, Mr. William
Shepherd, formerly of 2nd Stewartstown, was installed here
on the 23rd of September, 1874. Mr. Shepherd, having
resigned this charge after a short incumbency, was succeeded
by Mr. John R. M'Cleery, who was installed here on the 28th
September, 1880. Mr. M'Cleery, on his removal to another
charge, was succeeded by Mr. Edward Ekin, who was ordained
here on the 28th of March, 1884.
DROMORE 1st.
It appears that the earliest minister of Dromore was Mr.
Henry Hunter, who seems to have died shortly after the
Restoration. Mr. William Leggat was next settled here.
He was licensed by the Presbytery of Antrim in 1670, and
was shortly afterwards ordained to the charge of this con-
gregation. At the Revolution he retired for some time to
Scotland; but in 1691 he returned here. He was Moderator
of the Synod of Ulster in 1693, but absent from it in 1694,
The congregation was vacant in 1697, but whether in con-
sequence of the death of Mr. Leggat or his removal to
Scotland, is not known. The next minister was Mr. Alexander
Colville, who was ordained here in 1700. He died on the 1st
61 December, 1719. In 1724 the majority of the congrega-
tion, by their commissioners, Messrs. Robert Hamilton and
Thomas Ingram, supplicated the Synod to be annexed to the
Presbytery of Down ; and a minority, by their commissioner,
Mr. John Magill, supplicated to be continued with the
Presbytery of Armagh. The Synod annexed them to Down,
The subscription controversy had now commenced, and this
congregation felt the effects of it. In 1724 Mr. Alexander
Colville, son of the preceding minister — being refused
ordination by the Presbytery, because he refused to subscribe
the 'Westminster Confession of Faith — repaired to London,
and was ordained there. He was afterwards irregularly
installed in Dromore by the Synod of Munster. For this he
was suspended by the Synod of Ulster in 1725, and many of
the people withdrew from his ministry, and formed another
HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 123
congregation in Dromore. The first minister of this congre-
gation was Mr. James Allen, who was ordained here by the
Presbytery of Armagh on the 18th of May, 1726. He
appears to have demitted this charge about 1752. He was
succeeded by Mr, William Henry, who was ordained here on
the 1st of May, 1753. Mr. Allen died on the 14th of
January, 1764. Mr. Henry — who was grandfather of Dr.
Henry, late President of Queen's College, Belfast — resigned
this charge and removed to Comber, County Down, in 1776.
He was succeeded by Mr. John Cochrane, who was ordained
here by the Presbytery of Dromore on the 5th of May, 1777.
He died September 8th, 1779, leaving neither widow nor
family. He was succeeded by Mr. James Waddle, who was
ordained here on the 3rd of August, 1784. He died in this
charge on the 12th of July, 1815, leaving a widow and
family ; and was succeeded by Mr. James Collins, who was
ordained here on the 17th of September, 1816. Becoming
infirm, Mr. Collins obtained leave for the congregation to
choose an assistant and successor ; and on the 20th of
January, 1857, Mr. Jackson Smyth was ordained here. Some
time afterwards Mr. Smyth (now D.D.) resigned the pastoral
charge, on his removal to Armagh ; and on the 27th of
March, 1860, Mr. James Kirker Strain was ordained to this
charge. Mr. Collins died on the 19th of December, 1863.
DEUM 1st.
This congregation was originally called Dartry. In 1675 the
Tyrone Presbytery asked advice about removing Mr. William
Leggatt from Dartry, a statement from which it appears that
the congregation was early settled. Its next minister was
Mr. Hugh Kelso, who was ordained here on the 30th of
March, 1704. He died February 7th, 1706. He was suc-
ceeded by Mr. Samuel M'Gaughey, who was ordained here on
the 22nd September, 1708. In 1718 the congregation was
divided, part of it being erected into a separate congregation
at Cootehill. Mr. M'Gaughey (or Gachim) died October
12th, 1722, He was succeeded by Mr. Matthew Chalmers,
who was ordained here in 1725. In 1729 Mr. Chalmers was
removed by the Synod to Plunket Street congregation, Dublin.
He was succeeded here by Mr. Alexander M'Kee, who was
ordained here on the 16th of May, 1733. Mr. M'Kee was
removed to Bailieborough in May, 1761. We have not been
124 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.
able to recover the name of the minister who next succeeded ;
but Mr. James Walker was ordained here on the 11th of
December, 1786. He died in this charge on the 20th
November, 1825, leaving neither widow nor family. Their
next minister was Mr. William M'Ewen, who was ordained
here on the 4th of October, 1826. On the 13th of May, 1849,
Mr. M'Ewen resigned this charge and emigrated to America.
He was succeeded by Mr. James D. Crawford, who was
ordained here on the 27th September, 1849. Mr. Crawford
resigned the charge on the 13th of February, 1866, on his
removal to Hillhall ; and was succeeded by Mr. James Steen,
who was ordained on the 29th of June, 1866. Mr. Steen re-
signed this charge on his removal to Turlough, on the 13th
of April, 1880 ; and the congregations of 1st and 2nd Drum
were then amalgamated. On the 5th of May, 1881, Mr.
Joseph M'Kinstry was installed as minister of the united
charge. Mr. M'Kinstry, on his removal to Randalstown
shortly afterwards, was succeeded by Mr. George Stuart
Moorehead, who was ordained here on the 13th of December,
1883.
DEUMACHOSE.
This congregation originated in a dispute relative to the
choice of a minister in Newt own limavady in 1742. Many of
the people were favourable to Mr. Areslvine or Erskine ; but
his opponents obtained possession of the meeting-house,
and induced the Presbytery of Antrim to ordain Mr. Joseph
Osborne. Mr. Erskine's friends were now formed into the
congregation of Drumachose, and he was ordained by the
Presbytery of Derry on the 4th of May, 1742. Mr. Erskine's
ministry was not comfortable. He was often in collision with
his brethren, and he was charged with various irregularities.
He demitted the charge in 1761, and was succeeded by Mr.
Jacob Davis, who was ordained hei-e by the Presbytery of
Route on the 26th of April, 1763. He died December 30th,
1786, leaving a widow. The next minister was Mr. Daniel
Blair, who was ordained here in the end of May, 1788. He
died here on the 10th of February, 1811, leaving a widow and
family ; and was succeeded by Mr. Richard Dill, formerly
minister of Buckna, who was installed here on the 10th of
March, 1812. He resigned the charge January 28th, 1823,
and removed to the adjoining congregation of Bally kelly.
The next minister was Mr. John M'Laughlin, who was or-
HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 125
daincd here on the 28th of September, 1824. Mr. M'Laughlin,
died suddenly on the 3rd of November, 1831 ; and was suc-
ceeded by Mr. George Steen, who was ordained by the
Presbytery of Route on the 12th of March, 1833. Mr. Steen
resigned the charge on the 31st of March, 1845, and removed
to the lately erected congregation of 2nd Newtownlimavady ;
and on the "25th of November, 1845, Mr. Nathaniel M'Auley
Brown (now D.D.), was ordained to the pastoral charge.
According to the last return, the congregation consists of 206
families.
DRUMBANAGHER 1st.
This congregation was originally a part of Newry congre-
gation. At the erection of Donoughmore into a congregation,
it formed a part of it, though the people were averse to the
junction. The first notice we have of it as a separate charge
is on the occasion of the ordination of Mr. Charles Heslem
on the 22nd of July, 1740. Mr. Heslem's ministry was very
short, as he died on the 27th of March, 1741. He was suc-
ceeded by Mr. Michael Henry, who was ordained here by the
Presbytery of Killyleagh on the 20th of October, 1742. He
died April 1st, 1789, leaving a widow and family. The next
minister was Mr. James Knox, who was ordained here by the
Presbytery of Killyleagh on the 29th of June, 1789. Mr.
Knox removed to Donaghadee in February, 1794; and was
succeeded by Mr. Alexander Patterson, who was ordained
here on the 14th of June, 1796. Mr. Patterson resigned this
charge in October, 1805, on his removal to Magherally. The
next minister was Mr. James Black, who was ordained hei-e
on the 4th of March, 1806. In August, 1831, the Presbytery,
by permission of Synod, authorised the congregation to choose
an assistant and successor to Mr. Black ; and accordingly
Mr. John Irvine was ordained as his assistant and successor
on the 8th of May, 1832. Mr. Irvine died at Clonmel, whilst
there on the service of the Synod's Mission, on the 17th of
April, 1835, and was succeeded in this charge by Mr. John
Henry, who was ordained here on the 13th of October, 1835.
Mr. Henry resigned this charge on the 26th of November,
1839, and removed to Corboy. The next minister was Mr.
Robert R. Lindsay, who was ordained here on the 18th of
August, 1840.
126 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.
DEUMBO.
The earliest notice we have of this congregation is in 1655,
when we find Mr. Henry Livingston ordained here. He was
nephew to the famous John Livingston, of Killinchy. He
continued in this charge till April, 1697, when he died, aged
66 years. His successor was Mr. Edward Bailly, who was
ordained here shortly after, and who died June 23rd, 1703.
The next minister was Mr. Tliomas Gowan, ordained here
March 29th, 1706. In 1716, he had an unanimous call from
the English Presbyterian Church at Leyden, in Holland,
which the Synod permitted him to accept. He was succeeded
by Mr. Patrick Bruce, son of Mr. James Bruce, of Killyleagh,
and brother of Mr. Michael Bruce, of Holy wood. Mr. Patrick
Bruce was ordained here on the 12th of June, 1717. Towards
the close of the year 1728, he resigned this charge, and re-
moved to Scotland, where he became minister of Killalan, in
the Presbytery of Paisley, whence he subsequently returned
to Killileagh. In 1 729, the congregation of JDrumbo was put
under the care of the Presbytery of Bangor. In 1730, their
commissioner, Captain Hamilton Maxwell, supplicated the
Synod for supplies of probationers. Their next minister was
Mr. Andrew Malcom, who was ordained here, November 27th,
1731. He died in this charge on the 2nd of March, 1763, and
left a widow. He was succeeded by Mr. James Malcom,
probably his son, who was ordained here on the 24th of
December, 1764. In 1775, commissioners from the congre-
gation reported to the Synod that Mr. Malcom had not been
able to officiate for two years, and requesting to be declared
vacant, which was granted. Their next minister was Mr. Hugh
M'Kee, ordained here by the Presbytery of Belfast, September
25th, 1776. He demitted the charge in June, 1781. In 1792,
Mr. Malcom having recovered, the people applied for his re-
storation to the ministry among them. The Synod appointed
a committee to judge the case. They installed him in his
charge towards the close of the same year ; and the Synod
approved of this proceeding. In May, 1794, in consequence
of indisposition and infirmity, Mr. Malcom was again obliged
to resign the pastoral charge. The next minister was Mr.
Samuel Hanna,* who was licensed by the Presbytery of Bally-
mena in 1790, and ordained here on the first Tuesday of
* Afterwards D.D., and tlie first Professor of Divinity appointed by
the Synod of Ulster.
HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 127
August, 1795. He removed to Belfast in 1799, and was
succeeded by Mr. James Riddle, who was ordained here on
the 3rd of September, 1800. Mr. Malcom died October 3rd,
1805, leaving a widow and family. In 1825, Mr. Riddle was
suspended for twelve months, and, in 1826, he was sus2:)ended
sme die. The next minister was Mr. Campbell Blakely, who
was ordained here by the Presbytery of Belfast, July 4th,
1827. Mr. Riddle died February 25th, 1828. Mr. Blakely
becoming infirm, Mr. James M'Neill was ordained his assis-
tant and successor on the 7th of May, 1867. Mr. Blakley
died in December, 1872.
DRUMLOUGH.
In 1816 the inhabitants of this district supplicated the
Synod of Ulster for supplies every Lord's Day. In 1817
they stated that the Presbytery of Dromore had supplied
them with preaching one Sabbath in the month, and that
they were able to support a minister. Their erection was,
however, deferred for another year ; but in 1818 they were
at length recognised as a separate congregation in connection
with the Presbytery of Dromore. The Presbytery received
instructions not to ordain a minister until the debt due for
the building of the meeting-house had been liquidated. The
first minister was Mr. Samuel Crory, who was ordained here
on the 23rd of March, 1819. In 1852, in consequence of
certain charges preferred against him, Mr. Crory was set
aside ; and on the 2nd of July, 1855, Mr. John M'Clelland
was ordained to the pastoral charge. Mr. Crory, who was
subsequently restored, died on the 19th of May, 1861.
DRUMQUIN.
In 1792 Drumquin was separated from Castlederg and
joined to Pettigo. Mr. Thomas Anderson was ordained the
first minister of this joint-charge on the 21st of March, 1794.
Becoming infirm, Mr. Samuel Armour was ordained his
assistant on the 7th of December, 1812. Mr. Anderson died
on the 27th of th.e same month, leaving a widow and family.
In November, 1827, the congregation of Pettigo was dis-
annexed from Drumquin and formed into a separate charge.
Mr. Armour died on the 10th of March, 1844. He was
succeeded by Mr. John Davison, who was ordained here on
the 4th of June, 1845.
128 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS,
DUBLIN— MAEY'S ABBEY— now EUTLAND SQUAEE.
This coBgregation was at first known by the name of
Capel Street. It originated in a division of the congregation
of Bull-alley under Mr. William Jacque, who separated from
that people, and bringing with him such as adhered to him,
founded this new settlement in 1672. For this he was
censured by the brethren in the North in the October of that
year. He apologised to them for the step he had taken ;
and in May, 1673, " appeared before the Presbytery of
Antrim, and gave satisfaction for his former irregularities in
gathering a congregation after having been declared loosed
from Bull-alley." He did not continue in this charge above
ten years, when differences again arose between him and the
people. He is mentioned in Eenwick's Letters in 1683. A
party went off in the middle of the year 1684, and founded
another congregation at New-market. Mr. Jacque, however,
continued in Capel Street. In March, 1691, he being
valetudinary, their commissioner, Mr. Samuel Martin, applied
to the Presbytery of Antrim — to which this congregation was
annexed — to assist them in prosecuting a call to Mr. A.
Hutchinson of Saintfield. This was granted, and Mr.
Hutchinson was removed thither. He continued here, i^ow-
ever, only till April, 1692, when, on account of his ill-health,
he is loosed from this, and restored to his former charge in
Saintfield. At the same time the Synod declared Capel
Street to be " free of any relation to Mr. Jacque, he ha\ing
never been fixed here by the Presbytery." Being thus free
to choose a minister, their commissionei's, Messrs. S. Martin,
Thomas Bond, and Patrick Campbell, gave a call to Mr.
Eobert Henry, minister of Carrickfergus, in April, 1692 ; and,
though his removal is opposed by Carrickfergus, he is
transported hither in the end of that year. In June, 1698,
they apply by their commissioners, Messrs. Patrick Campbell
and Jo. Williamson, for leave to call a colleague to Mr. Henry
— " he being now crazy." They soon after called Mr. Francis
Iredell, minister of Donegore ; and Mr. Henry dying in the
beginning of the year 1699, the Synod in June of that year
removed him to this charge — they promising him <£100 per
annum, and to defray the expenses of his transportation.
The congregation increasing, the Synod sanctioned them in
becoming a collegiate charge. They accordingly called Mr.
John Milling, who, producing bis license from London, and
HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 129
testimonials from Lejden — where lie had been a minister —
was installed here June 23rd, 1702. He died June 17th,
1705.* His successor, as colleague to Mr. Iredell, was Mr.
Laughlin Campbell, minister in the Highland charge at
Campbeltown in Kintyre, who was installed here by the
Presbytery of Belfast on the 10th of September, 1707. He
was not more than a year in this charge — as he died on the
6th of October, 1708. In 1709 their commissioners, James
Kennedy, Esq., and Mr. Daniel Mills, commissioned by
Alderman Bell and others, presented a call to Mr. Robert
Craighead, jun., son of the minister of Derry. He accepted
the call in preference to one from Derry; and he was
accordingly ordained here as the third colleague to Mr.
Iredell on the 11th of October, 1709. Mr. Craighead died
in this charge on the 31st of July, 1738, aged fifty-four; and
Mr. Iredell died on the 31st of January, 1739 — so that the
congregation was now altogether vacant. The first minister
they obtained was Mr. James Smith, formerly minister at
Newtownards — who was installed here on the 15th of
February, 1740. In 1744 their commissioners, Col. Jo.
Martin and Mr. Jo. Errving, supplicated the Synod to trans-
port Mr. John Brown of Ballymena, but the application was
refused. Mr. Smith died on the 23rd of February, 1745 —
Mr. Charles M'Collum, formerly minister of Loughbrickland,
having been installed here a little before. His colleague was
Mr. William Wight, who was ordained here August 9th,
1753. He became Professor of Church History in Glasgow
in 1762, and afterwards, in 1778, Professor of Divinity in the
same university. He died in 1783. Mr. M'Collum demitted
his charge hex-e in May, 1765 ; and Mr. William Knox suc-
ceeded him on the 21st of the same month. He was after-
wards settled at Dunbo. Their next minister was Mr. John
Beard, from the Isle of Man, who was installed here on the
11th of January, 1767. In 1777 the relation of Mr. Beard
to this congregation was dissolved, and he was deposed from
the ministry for several immoralities. He afterwards con-
formed to the Episcopal Establishment, and obtained the
benefice of Cloughran. The next minister was Mr. Benjamin
M'Dowell (afterwards D.D.), formerly minister of Ballykelly,
who removed here in 1778. Mr. James Horner (also after-
wards D.D.) was ordained here as co-pastor on the 4th of
* Mr. Milling is mentioned in "Steven's History of the Scottish
Church, Pwotterdam," p. 315, as minister of Leyden in 1696.
I
130 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.
November, 1791. Dr. M'Dowell becoming infirm, Mr. James
Carlisle (afterwards D.D.) was ordained his assistant on tbe
14tli of May, 1813. Dr. M'Dowell died on the 13th
September, 1824. Dr. Horner becoming infirm, Mr. W. B.
Kirkpatrick (afterwards D.D.) was ordained his assistant
and successor on the 29th of July, 1829.* Dr. Horner died
in January, 1843, leaving Messrs. Carlisle and Kirkpatrick
the two ministers of this charge. Dr. Carlisle, who had
meanwhile retired to Birr to conduct missionary operations
there, died in Dublin on the 31st of March, 1854. On the
8th of September, 1858, the Rev. John Hall, formerly,
minister of 1st Ai-magh (and afterwards D.D.), was installed
here as colleague to Dr. Kirkpatrick. Soon afterwards,
Alexander Findlater, Esq., J. P., erected at his own expense
the splendid church of Rutland Square and presented it to the
congregation. On Dr. Hall's removal to New York in 1867,
he was succeeded by the Rev. David M'Kee, formerly of
Ballywalter, who was installed here on the 8th of February,
1869. On the 27th of August, 1879, Mr. M'Kee resigned
this charge on his removal to New Zealand ; and on the 20th
of January, 1880, the Rev. Andrew Charles Murphy, formerly
minister of 1st Derry (and now D.Lit.), was installed here.
On his removal to London, Dr. Murphy resigned the charge
on the 22nd of August, 1883; and was succeeded by the Rev.
J. S. Hamilton, formerly minister of 1st Banbridge, who was
installed here on the 20th of March, 1884. Dr. Kirkpatrick
died on the 23rd of September, 1882.
DUBLIN— USHER'S QUAY— now ORMOND QUAY.
This congregation originated in the year 1717. Mr.
Arbuckle, who died in 1721, was the first minister. In 1721
their commissioners, Messrs. Bagnal, Newton, Lord, and
Aickman, presented a call to Mr. William Gray of Taboin.
The Synod ordered him to remove hither ; but he was not
installed until 1724. He demitted the charge in 1728, and
returned to the North. Their next minister was Mr. Robert
M'Master, from Connor, who was installed here in 1729.
* At this time the entrance to Mary's Abbey was, not from Capel
Street, but by an inconvenient lane. An entrance direct from Capel
Street was then purchased. In the reign of Henry VIII. the Irish
Parliament met in Mary's Abbey.
HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 131
The congregation increased so much that they found it
necessary to take a colleague to Mr. M'Master. They
obtained Mr. William M'Beath of Urney, who was installed
here in 1745. Mr. M'Master died February 27th, 1754 ; and
Mr. M'Beath died in the following year. The next minister
was Mr. Thomas Vance of Eamelton, who was removed here
in 1755. His colleague was Mr. Robert Nichol, who was
ordained here on the 11th of September, 1760. He died in
this charge in October, 1762. He was succeeded by Mr.
James Caldwell, who was ordained here June 11th, 1763.
Mr. Vance died June 1st, 1772. The congregation of Plunket
Street now united with Usher's Quay under Mr. Caldwell ;
and in 1780 Mr. Hugh Moore, formerly minister of Billy,
removed here as his colleague. He was installed by the
Presbytery of Dublin on the 19th October of that year. Mr.
Caldwell died on the 24th of May, 1783. He was succeeded
by Mr. William Wilson, formerly minister of Magherafelt,
who was installed here in 1785. He died on the 9th of June,
1807. He was succeeded by Mr. W. D. H. M'Ewen, who was
ordained here on the 16th of March, 1808. He resigned this
charge on the 30th of June, 1813 ; and was succeeded by Mr.
Samuel Simson, who was ordained as colleague to Mr. Moore
on the 23rd of May, 1815. Mr. Moore died on the 14th of
December, 1824, leaving Mr. Simson in the sole charge of
the congregation, in which he continued till the year 1835,
when Mr. Eichard Dill, formerly minister of Tandragee, was
installed as his colleague on the 26th of August of that year.
Mr. Simson died about 1846.* Mr. Dill died on the 8th of
December, 1858 ; and was succeeded by the Rev. John James
Black (now LL.D.), who was installed here on the 31st of
May, 1859. During Mr. Dill's time a fine new church was
built on Ormond Quay, when the congregation assumed its
present designation. On his removal to Inverness, Dr. Black
resigned this charge on the 21st of December, 1871 ; and
was succeeded by the Rev. James Cargin, who was installed
here on the 14th of January, 1873. On his removal to 1st
Derry, Mr. Cargin resigned this charge on the 1st of
December, 1880 ; and was succeeded by Mr. Samuel Prenter,
who was installed here on the 13th of July, 1881.
* Mrs. Magee, who bequeathed legacies amouuting to £60,000 for
Presbyterian objects— including £20,000 for founding Magee College-
was a member of Mr. Dill's congregation.
132 HISTORY OF CONGEEGATIONS.
DUNBOE 1st.
The first minister of Dunboe is said to have been Mr.
Thomas Fulton, who was here in 1660. He appears to have
been succeeded by Mr. Blair; but of his ministry nothing is
now known with certainty. The next minister was Mr. John
Wilson, who was here in 1684. He fled to Scotland in the
troublous times which preceded the Revolution ; and settled
at Largs. The Presbytery of Irwin in 1691 supplicated for
his removal from Dunboe, but the Synod of Ulster refused
to accede to this proposal. He continued, notwithstanding,
to remain in Scotland, and at length in 1697 the Synod
yielded, and he was formally installed at Largs. After this
a Mr. Woodside ajDpears for some time to have ministered to
the people. In October, 1 719, Mr. Robert Knox was ordained
to the ministry in this congregation. Mr. Knox died here
on the 1st of April, 1746. The next minister was Mr. William
Cochrane, who was ordained here on the 10th of May, 1748.
In 1762 Mr. Cochrane resigned this charge, and conformed
to the Established Church. He was succeeded by Mr. William
Knox, who was installed here on the 18th of August,
1765. Mr. Knox had previously been minister of Mary's
Abbey, Dublin. Mr. Knox died here on the 29th of August,
1801, and a stone inserted in a conspicuous position in the
front wall of the j^lace of worship still bears honourable
testimony to the excellence of his character. His descendants,
in good worldly circumstances, are still to be found in the
neighbourhood of Coleraine ; but with the exception of the
family of the late Mr. Wark, of Castlerock, they no longer
adhere to the Px'esbyterian Church. The next minister was
Mr. Thomas Greer, who was ordained here on the 9th of
March, 1802. Among his descendants are the Rev. Thomas
Greer of Anahilt, and the late S. M. Greer, Esq., Recorder of
Derry, and at one time M.P. for the county. Mr. Greer died
on the 15th of December, 1812, and was succeeded by Mr.
William Lyle, who was ordained here on the 7th of June,
1814. Mr. Lyle died on the 3rd April, 1867, and was suc-
ceeded by Mr. John Mark, who was ordained here on the
24th of July of the same year,
DUNDALK.
This congregation was established about 1706. The first
HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 133
minister was Mr. Jolm Wilson, who was ordained to the
joint-charge of Dundalk and Carlingford about 1700. In
1706, Dundalk was permitted to become a distinct congrega-
tion, though the people could not pay to a minister above
jei5 per annum. Thirty pounds were added out of the
General Fund of the Synod to enable the people to support
a minister. Mr. Patrick Simpson was accordingly ordained
here by the Presbytery of Armagh on the 30th of December,
1713. He resigned the charge in 1721, in consequence of
insufficient maintenance, but was induced to resume it, and
continue here some time longer. In 1725 he appears to have
joined the Presbytery of Antrim, and he continued in con-
nection with it till his death. The congregation then reverted
to the Presbytery of Armagh, and by them Mr. Colin Lyndsay
was ordained here on the 16th of August, 1779. His relation
to this congregation was dissolved in 1785. The next
minister was Mr. Andrew Bryson, who was ordained here on
the 15th of August, 1786. He resigned this charge on the
22nd of June, 1796; and was succeeded by Mr. William
Neilson (afterwards D.D.), who was ordained here on the 21st
December, 1796. Mr. Bryson died in the month of March
following. Dr. Neilson, who was one of the most dis-
tinguished linguists of his day, resigned this charge on
the 2ord of July, 1818, and became Professor of Greek,
Latin, and Hebrew in the Belfast Academical Institution.
He died on the 27th of April, 1821. The next minister
was Mr. David Davison, who was ordained here on the
2nd of March, 1819. He resigned this charge on the 6th
of April, 1825, and removed to the congregation of Old
Jewry, London. The next minister was Mr. William Cun-
ningham, son of Mr. Cunningham, minister of St. Johnstone,
County Donegal, who was ordained here on the 23rd of June,
1825. Mr. Cunningham was greatly beloved, but he was of
a delicate constitution, and was not long able to perform
the duties of the ministry. He died on the 15th of May,
1829. Meanwhile Mr. James Beattie had been ordained his
assistant and successor on the 25th of November, 1828. Mr.
Beattie died on the 28th of December, 1851 ; and was suc-
ceeded by Mr. W. M'Hinch, who was installed here on the
15th of June, 1852. Mr. M'Hinch died on the 7th of
January, 1860 ; and was succeeded by Mr. Robert Black, who
was installed here on the 26th of June of the same year.
Mr. Black, having obtained leave for his congregation to
134 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.
choose an assistant and successor, Mr. John Macmillan was
installed here on the 19th of May, 1880. Mr. Black died in
the summer of 1885.
DIJNDONALD.
The first minister here was Mr. Thomas Peebles. He
came from Scotland in 1642, as chajjlain to Eglinton's
regiment — at that time forming a part of the Scotch army
that came over under Munroe. He was ordained at Dun-
donald, then including Holywood, in 1645 ; and was Clerk to
the Presbytery during his life. He died after various vicissi-
tudes in 1670. He was succeeded by Mr. Gilbert Kennedy,
who was minister here in 1673. His tomb-stone is in the
churchyard in this parish. He was succeeded by Mr. Thomas
Cobham, who was ordained here in 1678. He fled to Scotland
during the troubles, and was absent nearly five years. He
was here in 1690, and died in charge of Holywood alone, on
the 24th of June, 1706, Holywood being now separated from
it, and Kirk, or Dun-donald having become a distinct charge.
In 1704 the people of Dundonald applied to the Synod of
Ulster to be erected into a separate congregation, px'omising,
by their commissioner, Mr. John M'Kittrick, c£20 jier annum,
with 20 bolls of oats, and engaging also to provide a farm.
The application was granted. They were not able for some
time to obtain a minister. At length Mr. James Stewart was
installed here by the Presbytery of Belfast, May 24th, 1709.
He died in this charge, March 3rd, 1748. He was succeeded
by Mr. James Hamilton, who was ordained here, October 15th,
1754. He removed to Monaghan in the beginning of the year
1768. Their next minister was Mr. William Ray, who was
ordained here June 16th, 1761. He demitted his charge in
February, 1765, and sailed for North America in the follow-
ing May. He was succeeded by Mr. Hugh Smith, who was
ordained here by the Presbytery of Bangor, June 3rd, 1766.
He died in this charge, February 11th, 1771. Their next
minister was Mr. James Caldwell, who was ordained here 1st
September, 1772. Becoming infirm, Mr. William Pinlay was
ordained his assistant and successor ISTovember 20th, 1810.
Mr. Caldwell died October 2nd, 1814, leaving a widow. Mr.
Pinlay died in this charge June 14th, 1834, aged 47, leaving
a widow. The next minister was Mr. William Graham, who
was ordained here on the 18th of August, 1835. On the 1st
of November, 1842, Mr. Graham (afterwards D.D.), having
HISTORY OP CONGREGATIONS. 135
been appointed a Jewish Missionary, resis^ned the charge, and
on the 30th of May, 1843, Mr. E. T. Martin was ordained to
the pastoral charge. Mr. Martin, having obtained leave for
his congregation to choose an assistant and successor, Mr.
James Bingham, formerly of Bandon, was installed here on
the 22nd of March, 1883.
DUKDROD.
In 1827 the Presbytery of Templepatrick erected the
inhabitants of this district into a separate congregation. The
first minister was Mr. William Loughridge, who was ordained
here on the 2nd of March, 1829. On the 6th of November,
1837, he was suspended sine die. He was succeeded by Mr.
William Magill, who was ordained here on the 14th of
January, 184U. On the 1st of February, 1876, Mr. Magill
retired from the active duties of the ministry ; and on the
16th of May of the same year Mr. John Clarke was ordained
to the pastoral charge. On the 26th of June, 1879, Mr.
Clarke resigned the care of the congregation, and on the 11th
of March, 1880, Mr. Magill died. On the 22nd of June, 1880,
Mr. John M'Connell was installed as minister. Mr. M'Counell
resigned this charge on the 14th of February, 1884, having
received an appointment from the Board of Missions to New
South Wales ; and was succeeded by Mr. Robert M'Bride,
who was settled here in April of the same year.
DUNEAN.
This congregation and Grange originally constituted one
charge. We find Mr. Joseph Hamilton minister here in
1670. In 1674 Mr. Wilson, who two years before had been
ordained as minister of Randalstown, visited the place, and
reported that " he found the preaching-house very incon-
venient for the Grange, and yet the people of Dunean utterly
unwilling to have a house accommodated to both places."
Mr. Hamilton died in April, 1686. In June following, the
people gave a call to Mr. Alexander M'Cracken, with bonds
for =£26 per annum of stipend ; but he declined the charge,
" particularly on the ground of the two meeting-houses to
be here." In October, 1667, the people presented an unanimous
call to Mr. James Scott, who had been entered on trials by
the Presbytery in June, 1686, and licensed in February,
136 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.
1687. Before his ordination the Presbytery sent a minister
to " endeavour to get a central meeting-place convenient for
all, as but few attend when there is preaching in the Grange ;"
but to this proposg^l the people in Grange would not agree.
Mr. Scott was ordained June 19th, 1688, Mr. Munroe, of
Cammoney, preaching and presiding on the occasion. His
text was 1 Tim. iv. and last verse. He continued here till
his death, November 11 th, 1710. In 1713 their commissioner,
Major John Dobbin and others petitioned the Synod for
assistance to support the Gospel among them, assigning as
their reasons that several of their number had been removed
by death, and that even before this they could not advance
above =£22 or =£23 per annum. Their next minister was Mr.
John Henderson, who was ordained here August 26th, 1713.
He joined the Presbytery of Antrim in 1725, and died
January, 1753. Mr. Robert Scott was ordained to the united
congregations of Dunean and Grange on the 28th of June,
1762. Becoming infirm, Mr. Henry Cooke (afterwards D.D.
and LL.D.), who had been licensed by the Presbytery in
July, 1807, was ordained as his assistant November 10th,
1 808. He resigned this charge on his removal to Donegore
on the 13th of March, 1810. He was succeeded by Mr,
Matthew Elder, who was ordained here June 21st, 1811. He
resigned his charge here on the 7th of January, 1817, and on
the 18th of May following was suspended sine die. He was
succeeded by Mr. Archibald Hutchinson, who was ordained
here November 10th, 1818. Mr. Scott died April 17th, 1813,
after an incumbency of 51 years, leaving neither widow nor
family. Mr. Hutchinson died on the 4th of December, 1843 ;
and on the 27th of August, 1844, Mr. William Denham, who
had formerly been minister of Bovedy, was installed in
Dunean. Mr, Denham died on the 14th of July, 1883 ; and
was succeeded by Mr. John J. M'Clure, who was ordained
here on the 2 7th November, 1883.
DUNFANAGHT.
DxJNFANAGHY and Kilmacrenan, in the County of Donegal,
were long associated. The first minister in the joint charge
would appear to have been Mr, Robert Drummond, son of
Mr. Seth Drummond, of Ramelton. He was entered on trials
by the Presbytery of Lagan in January, 1700, and licensed in
Mav, He was ordained at Kilmacrenan on the 3rd of
HISTORY OF CONGEEGATIONS. 137
November, 1702, and died on tlie 8tli of June, 1712. The
next notice we have o£ this joint charge is the ordination of
Mr. James Cochran at Dunfanaghy, on the 20th of September,
1715. He removed hence and was installed in Grejabbey,
County Down, in June, 1736. We have not been able to
ascertain the name of his immediate successor ; but Mr.
David Allen was ordained here in August, 1775.* In May,
1778, he was suspended shie die, but was restored in 1779.
The same year the people of Kilmacrenan prayed to be erected
into a distinct charge. On this occasion it appeared that for
some time there had been preaching only at Kilmacrenan.
Mr. Allen died as minister of the joint charge on the 9th of
January, 1812, and was succeeded by his son, Mr. John
Allen, who was ordained here on the 12th of March, 1812.
In 1829 these congregations were divided, and Kilmacrenan,
with .the Regium Donum, remained under the care of Mr.
Allen. The first minister of Dunfanaghy in its separate state
was Mr. David Eeid, who was ordained by the Presbytery of
Letterkenny on the 21st January, 1830. Becoming infirm,
Mr. Reid, in 1849, obtained leave for his congregation to
choose an assistant ; and on the 19th of December of the same
year Mr. Joseph Gallagher was ordained there. Mr. Eeid
died on the 11th of July, 1860. On the 22nd of June, 1869,
Mr. Gallagher resigned the pastoral charge; and on the 4th
of August of the same year Mr. William Kane was ordained
his assistant and successor.
DTJNGANNON, 1st.
The congregation of Dungannon was also known, at an
early period, by the name of Donoughmore. Its first minister
was Mr. Thomas Kennedy, who was deposed for non-conformity
at the Restoration, and who afterwards preached at Carlan
Bridge. In February, 1673, the people of Dungannon were re-
commended by the Presbytery to adhere to their minister, Mr.
George Keith, and to give him maintenance, otherwise it would
be necessary for him to remove from them. Mr. Keith appears
soon to have resigned the charge ; and after the Revolution
we find Mr. Thomas Kennedy, sen., ministering to the con-
gregation, which was now joined with Carlan. On the death
of Mr. Kennedy, aged 89, in 1714; Dungannon was erected
* About this time the family of Mr. Stewart of Ards was Presby-
terian.
138 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.
into a separate charge. In April, 1718, Mr. Nathaniel
Cochrane was ordained the minister. He died here in March,
1735. A long vacancy seems to have now followed, as the
next minister, Mr. Adam Duffiu, was not ordained till October
10th, 1744. Mr. Duffin died in this charge September 14th,
1770, leaving a widow and family. From this gentleman
Charles Duffin, Esq., J.P., of Belfast, is collaterally descended.
Mr. Duffin was succeeded by Mr. Alexander Mercer, who was
ordained here December 22nd, 1772. Mr. Mercer demitted
the charge in 1776, and removed to the neighboui-hood of
Dublin. He was succeeded by Mr. William Stitt, formerly
minister of Moira, who was installed here September 1st,
1777. About this time the Volunteers made their appearance ;
and on the 8th of September, 1783, one of the greatest
political meetings ever held in Ulster assembled in the
Presbyterian churcli of Dungannon. The Bishop of Derry
and fifteen members of the Irish House of Commons were
present on the occasion. On that day the Rev. Dr. Black, a
distinguished minister, long connected with Derry, made a
speech which electrified the auditory. During the course of
the eighteenth century, the Synod of Ulster held its annual
meeting no less than twenty-five times at Dungannon. Mr.
Stitt died here September 1st, 1803, leaving a widow and
family. The next minister was Mr. Thomas Waughope, who
was ordained August 25th, 1804. He resigned the charge
November 9th, 1805, and in the March following was sus-
pended sine die by the Presbytery. He was succeeded by
Mr. David Bennett, who was ordained June 7th, 1806. Mr.
Bennett becoming infix'm, Mr. Charles L. Morell was ordained
as his assistant on the 16th of September, 1844. Mr. Bennett
died on 8th March, 1847. Mr. Morell (now D.D.), at length
obtained as his assistant Mr. S. L. Wilson, who was ordained
here on the 8th of April, 1879. On receiving a call from Cork
in October, 1884, Mr. Wilson resigned this charge ; and was
succeeded by Mr. David Wilson, formerly of Mourne, who
was installed here in 1885.
DUNLUCE.
DuNLUCE was originally connected with Billy ; but, on the
settlement of Mr. John Logue there, a party in Dunluce
appear to have been dissatisfied. At length in 1753 the
people of Dunluce, by their commissioners, Messrs. Hugh
Boylan and Robert Patterson, supplicated the Synod of
HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 139
Ulster to erect tliem into a separate congregation, as they
had built a new meeting-house ; but this was not granted
on the first application. They were, however, erected at the
next annual Synod, and their first minister was Mr. John
Cameron, who was ordained here on the 3rd of June, 1755.
Mr. Cameron was a man of talent and literary attainments,
as several of his remaining works still testify ; but one of
the Episcopalian ministers of the neighbourhood, with whom
he was on habits of intimacy, seduced him into Unitarianism.
In 1768 he was chosen Moderator of Synod. He died
December 31st, 1799. He was succeeded by Mr. James
Boyle, who was ordained here December 1st, 1801. In 1824
Mr. Boyle reported to Synod various donations and legacies
left to this congregation, which are detailed in the minutes
of that year. Mr. Boyle died November 13th, 1835. The
next minister was Mr. William Oliver, who was ordained
here September 20th, 1836. Mr. Oliver is the author of
several well-known and highly valued publications. Becom-
ing blind, Mr. Oliver obtained leave for his congregation to
elect an assistant and successor ; and, in consequence, Mr.
James G. Kirkpatrick was ordained here on the 26th of
September, 1865.
DUNMUREY.
This congregation was first erected between the years 1676
and 1683. In January, 1683, Mr. Alexander Glass was the
ordained minister. In February, 1683, he retired to Scotland
in consequence of the disturbed state of the country, and re-
mained there. In June, 1694, the Synod of Ulster wrote to
him, requesting him to return, but without success. The
next minister was Mr. John Malcome, who had been minister
of Lower Killead; but he removed here about 1699. He died
in this charge May 17th, 1729. Mr. Malcome was a man of
superior talent, and in the Non-Subscription controversy took
a prominent part in support of the Westminster Confession
of Faith. He was succeeded by Mr. John Moorehead, who
was ordained here by the Presbytery of Templepatrick on the
17th of February, 1731. He died in this charge June 20th,
1768, leaving a widow and family ; and was succeeded by Mr.
James Stoupe, formerly minister at Euniskillen, who was in-
stalled here by the Presbytery of Bangor on the 3rd of June,
1772. He resigned the charge in May, 1780, and was suc-
ceeded by Mr. Robert Jackson, who was ordained here on the
140 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.
nth of April, 1782. He died September 5tli, 1788, leaving
a widow and family. In 1790 we find the following entry in
the minutes of the Synod of Ulster: — "Ordered that the
Moderator write a letter to the Presbytery of Munster re-
monstrating against the conduct of Mr, Blair (of the Leap),
a member of their Presbytery, for irregularly introducing a
probationer to Dunmurry, and afterwards presiding in draw-
ing up a call for him — Eesolved, that we approve of the
conduct of the Presbytery of Bangor respecting Dunmurry in
deferring the ordination of Mr. Taggai't in that place until
the matter might come before this body." Mr. Taggart and
the congregation annexed themselves to the Presbytery of
Antrim ; and on the 14th of May, 1805, his connection with
this congregation was dissolved by them. The congregation
reverted again to the Presbytery of Bangor in 1806 or 1807 ;
and their next minister was Mr. Andrew George Malcom, who
was ordained here on the 11th of March, 1807. He resigned
this charge on the 11th of September, 1808, and removed to
Newry. The next minister was Mr. Henry Montgomery
(afterwards LL.D.), who was ordained September 14th, 1809.
Dr. Montgomery was the great leader of the Arian party ; and
in 1829 he and many of the members of the congregation
seceded from the Synod of Ulster, retaining possession of the
Church, Manse, and other properties. A few years after this
secession, the congregation of Malone, in the neighbourhood
of Dunmurry, was erected by the Synod of Ulster; and on the
15th of February, 1837, Mr. Joseph Mackenzie was ordamed
the pastor. The congregation of Dunmurry was subsequently
erected by the General Assembly; and on the 21st of
November, 1860, Mr. Eobert James Arnold was ordained
pastor.
ENNISEILLEN.
The first minister of this congi'egation seems to have been
Mr. James Tailzeur, or Taylor. He was here in 1677, and
living within two miles of the town. He had come from the
North of Scotland in 1675, recommended by Mr. Thomas
Hogg, and in the month of September of that year was
ordained to Monea, Enniskillen, and Den*yvallen. He appears
to have left this shortly after 1681. His successor was Mr.
Robert Kelso. Mr. Kelso had been ordained at Ealoo, in
County Antrim, in May, 1673 ; but he demitted the charge
in the following year, on account of the poverty of the people.
HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS, 141
He then removed to Wicklow, where he was settled in 1675,
and, after remaining a short time there, was called to
Enniskillen. He was in this charge at the time of the
Eevolution, in 1688, and died shortly after. In 1690, the
congregation was vacant. In November, 1695, the Presbytery
of Lagan met at Ballindreat, and ordained Mr. John
M'Guachin minister of Enniskillen and Magherabuv. In
1720, he complained to the Synod of his inadequate mainten-
ance ; and, though the congregation were willing to secure to
him d£32 per annum, he declared his inability to subsist on
that stipend and do the duty of his congregation — some of
his people being eight or ten miles distant from the meeting-
house. The Synod, therefore, permitted him to resign the
charge, and he was afterwards settled at Athy. He was
succeeded by Mr. William Hair, who was installed here in
the end of the year 1720. He had previously been minister
at Corboy or Longford. He died in this charge, November
29th, 1745, and was succeeded by Mr. Thomas Plunkett, son
of Mr. Plunkett, of Glasslough, who was ordained here
December 14th, 1748. He was removed to Strand Street,
Dublin, in January, 1769. He was the father of the late
Lord Chancellor Plunkett, and grandfather of the present
Archbishop of Dublin. The next minister of the congregation
was Mr. James Stoupe, who was ordained here by the
Presbytery of Monaghan, November 29th, 1769. In June,
1772, he removed to Dunmurry. Mr. Stoupe was succeeded
by Mr. David Young, On the day appointed for his ordin-
ation, none of the Presbytery of Monaghan attended but one,
who preached and performed all the duties, excei)t the formal
act of ordination by prayer and the imposition of hands.
The Synod rebuked the Presbytery for their non-attendance,
and ordered the ordination to take place in the August
following. In 1773, it was reported to the Synod that Mrs.
Cranston, near Enniskillen, had bequeathed <£100 for the
benefit of the minister there, that the money was in the hands
of J. Armstrong, Esq., of Lisgool, the only surviving executor
of her will, that the sum of £30, for the same purpose, was
in the hands of the Eev. Mr. Plunkett, of Dublin, and that
there was a third bequest of =£5 per annum, by Mr. Cranston,
secured on certain lands, but the advantage of which neither
the present minister nor any of his predecessors had enjoyed,
though a lawsuit was commenced for the recovery of it, as it
could not be carried on for want of j)roper support. In 1775,
142 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.
Mr, Young removed to Derry, and was succeeded by Mr.
William Millar, who was ordained here by the Presbytery of
Monaghan, January 13th, 1776. He removed to Killeshandra,
May 7th, 1781, and was succeeded by Mr. Joseph Denham,
who was ordained here, December 11th, 1781. Mr. Denham
was father of the late Eev. Dr. Denham, of Derry, and grand-
father of the late Rev. J. S. Denham, of 2nd Holywood. Mr.
Denham also removed to Killeshandra, where he was settled
in September, 1799, and was succeeded in Enniskillen by Mr.
Christopher Josias G-amble, who was ordained here December
24th, 1799. He retired from the ministry in February, 1804.
Their next minister was Mr. Ephraim Stevenson, who was
ordained here July 10th, 1804. He resigned this charge in
1835 ; and on the 1st of March, 1836, Mr. Thomas Berkeley
was ordained his assistant and successor, Mr. Berkeley died
of fever, December 8th, 1836, leaving a widow. He was
succeeded by Mr. A. C. M'Clatchy, who was ordained here,
August 29th, 1837. Mr. M'Clatchy died on the 1st of
March, 1882 ; and was succeeded by Mr. S. C. Mitchell, who
was ordained here on the 25th of October, 1882.
ERVEY.
Ervet and Carrickmaclim were originally united. They
were known by the names of Breachy (or Banbreaky) and
Kells. In 1700 the Presbytery of Tyrone was ordered to
supply Breachy with preaching. In 1701 Kells was joined
to it. In ] 702 Mr. Hugh Grier was their commissioner to the
Synod. On the 12th of May, 1703, Mr. John Lee, formerly
minister of Glenarm, was installed here on condition of
receiving d£20 stipend for the first year, ^25 for the second,
d£30 for the third ; and to get out of the Begiuvi Domim
Fund <£20 for the first, £15 for the second, and .£10 for the
third year. After the Presbytery and Synod had made many
ineffectual attempts to secure his maintenance, he was at
length, in July, 1710, loosed from this charge. He died
October 29th, 1717. The next minister was Mr. William
Patton, who was ordained here by the Presbytery of Longford
on the 7th of December, 1721. In July, 1736, he removed
to Lisburn ; and was succeeded by Mr. David Hutchinson,
who was ordained to this charge on the 20th of November,
1739. In 1744 he removed to Monaghan. The next minister
was Mr. William Fleming, who was ordained here August
HISTORY OP CONGREGATIONS. 143
3rd, 1748. In 1767 lie removed to Corboy ; and on the 22nd
of June, 1768, Mr. William Moore was ordained here. Mr.
Moore died on the 27th of June, 1811 ; and was succeeded
by Mr. Robert Winning, who was ordained here on the 9th
of June, 1812. Carrickmaclim was separated from Ervey in
1832, and Mr. Winning remained minister of Ervey. To-
wards the close of the year 1842, Mr. Winning conformed to
Prelacy,* having obtained the promise of a living in the
Established Church ; but his people declined to follow him.
On the 22nd of June, 1843, Mr. James Armstrong was
ordained to the pastoral charge. On the 28th of November,
1861, Mr. Armstrong resigned the pastoral care ; and on the
4th of June, 1863, Mr. John Wilson was ordained here.
PAH AN.
This congregation was formerly connected with Buncrana.
The first minister of whom we have any account was Mr.
Ninian Cochrane, who was ordained here on the 3rd of
Pebruary, 1719. He demitted the charge in 1748, and was
succeeded by Mr. Joseph Eeagh, who was ordained here in
August of that year. Mr. Cochrane died on the 21st of
September, 1751. Mr. Eeagh demitted the charge and
emigrated to America in 1770. Mr, John Erwin was ordained
here in September, 1777; but resigned the charge through
bodily indisposition on the 22nd of February, 1796, and was
succeeded by Mr. David Hamilton, who was ordained here on
the 3rd of September, 1799. Mr. Erwin was deposed in
1801, for celebrating marriages ii-regularly. In October,
1834, the Presbytery dissolved the connection between Pahan
and Buncrana ; and while the former continued under the
care of Mr. Hamilton the latter was erected into a separate
congregation. Mr. Hamilton died on the 31st of October,
1840 ; and was succeeded by Mr. John Macky, who was
ordained here on the 7th of June, 1842. On the 5th of April,
1854, Mr. Macky resigned this charge, having been appointed
by the directors of the Colonial Mission to go out to New
Zealand. He was succeeded by Mr. David Hanson, who was
installed here on the 12th of September, 1854. Mr. Hanson
resigned the charge on the 23rd of August, 1860 ; and was
succeeded by Mr. John Brown M'Bride, who was ordained
on the 27th of December of the same year.
* He had bpen Ions; before virtually in the pay of the Established
Church as an agent of the Irish Society.
144 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.
FAKNET.
This congregation was known at first by the name of
Clondevadock. It was originally associated with Eamullan.
The first minister of the joint charge was Mr. Adam White.
He was ordained here in 1654. In August, 1672, the con-
gregation was found to be unable to support him. Major
Alexander Stewart came as commissioner to the Presbytery,
wishing him to be continued in the charge ; but in September
of that year the Presbytery released him from it. He after-
wards settled at Ardstraw ; and after the Eevolutiou became
minister of Billy, in County Antrim. Fannet continued to
be only occasionally supplied for a length of time ; but on the
25th of February, 1708, Mr. Charles Lynn was ordained the
minister. In 1728, he removed to the 2nd congregation of
Coleraiue. He was succeeded in Fannet by Mr. John
M'Gachin, who was ordained here by the Px'esbytery of
Letterkenny on the 1st of April, 1730. He died in this
charge in April, 1783, leaving a widow and family. The next
minister was Mr. James Delap. He was ordained as Mr.
M'Gachin's assistant on the 14th of November, 1782. He
was suspended sine die, by the Presbytery on the 19th of
November, 1806. The next minister was Mr. James Marshall,
who was ordained on the 17th of February, 1808. Mr.
Marshall died on the 1st of December, 1826, leaving a widow
and family. He was succeeded by Mr. James Budd, who was
ordained here on the 17th of October, 1827. On the 20th of
April, 1837, Mr. Budd resigned this charge and removed to
Clady. He was succeeded by Mr. Moses Houston, who was
ordained here on the 21st of December, 1837. On the lOth
of March, 1841, Mr. Houston resigned the charge of this con-
gregation and removed to Letterkenny. In the same year
Mr. Patrick Hay was ordained in Fannet. On the 15th of
April, 1857, Mr. Hay resigned the pastoral charge. He was
succeeded by Mr. James Keating, who was ordained here on
the 17th of March, 1850.
FAUGHANVALE.
This was originally called the congregation of Muff. It
formed part of Glen derm ot congregation in 1696. In 1730
the people presented a memorial praying to be speedily
planted with a minister. Their first minister is said to have
HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 145
been Mr. James Smyth, who was ordained by the Presbytery
of Strabane in 1732. He died here on the 13th of February,
1770. He was succeeded by Mr. Dunn, who was ordained
here by the Presbytery of Derry, on the 18th of June, 1771.
He was deposed by the same Presbytery on the 18th of May,
1784. The next minister was Mr. Henry Elder, who was
ordained here on the 4th of February, 1786. He died in this
charge on the 27th of July, 1817 ; and was succeeded by Mr.
Marshall Moore, who was ordained here in the month of
November, 1819. Mr. Moore died on the 14th of August,
1848 ; and on the 26th of March, 1850, Mr. Lowry E. Berkeley
was ordained to the pastoral charge. On the 25th of August,
1858, Mr. Berkeley resigned this charge on his removal to
Lurgan; and on the 17th of February, 1859, Mr. Francis
Petticrew (now D.Lit.) was ordained to the pastorate.
FINTONA.
This congregation was first known by the name of G-olan.
Its first minister was Mr. Robert Coleheart. He was here in
1704, and died on the 26th of January, 1730. He was
succeeded by Mr. Nathaniel Gi-lasgow, who had been ordained
to go to America on the 3rd of February, 1719, but who
was installed here on the 5th of April, 1732. He had mean-
while been in another congregation, probably Ballyjamesduff.
He died in this charge in April, 1743. The next minister
was Mr. William Moorehead, who was ordained here by the
Presbytery of Monaghan on the 26th of September, 1752.
He died here September 15th, 1806. In 1834 Dromore was
separated from Fintona. Meanwhile Mr. John Sampson had
been ordained to the united charge on the 16th of September,
1808. In 1835 Mr. Sampson was required by the Synod to
resign the pastoral charge. On the 4th of April, 1836, Mr.
Robert Chambers was ordained his assistant. Meanwhile
Mr. James Reid Dill was ordained as the minister of the
separated congregation of Dromore on the 10th of November,
1835. A story has been often told to the effect that the Rev.
Philip Skelton, when rector of Fintona, once preached in the
Presbyterian meeting-house so much to the delight of the
congregation that the people all joined the Established
Church, and that Mr. Skelton paid to the minister ever
afterwards d£40 a- year, being the amount of his stipend, as a
compensation for the loss of his income. But this is
146 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.
obviously a misstatement. The same minister had the care
of the congregation of Tintona during the whole time that
Mr. Skelton was rector, as well as for many years after his
removal, and there is documentary evidence that the stipend
still amounted to £S5. Mr. Chambers becoming infirm, Mr.
George P. M'Kay was ordained here as his assistant and
successor on the 17th February, 1874. Mr. Chambers died
on the 29th of July, 1879.
FINVOY.
FiNVOT congregation originated with a Captain G-alland,
one of Cromwell's officers, who had obtained part of the
property of the M'Quillans in that parish. A portion of
these lands was secured by a Colonel Hamilton, of the Dun-
nemana family, at Ballynegawey, in the parish of Finvoy,
who also encouraged the settlement of a minister there. The
first minister is said to have been Mr. Robert Henry, who
was here about the time of the Revolution. He was suc-
ceeded by Mr. Robert Haltridge, who was ordained here by
the Presbytery of Route in 1702. He died in this charge,
December 22nd, 1727; and was succeeded by Mr. David
Smylie, who was ordained here in 1734. He removed to
Maghera in 1738. The next minister was Mr. Gideon Nelson,
who was ordained here, November 9th, 1742. Becoming
infirm, Mr. James Elder was ordained as his assistant and
successor on the 13th of June, 1780. Mr. Nelson died on
the 20th of November, 1783. Mr. Elder died on the 4th of
November, 1843, in the 86th year of his age and the 64th
of his ministry. He was long the father of the Synod of
Ulster, and was noted for his steadfast orthodoxy. On the
8th of August, 1843, Mr. Andrew Todd was ordained as his
assistant and successor.
GALWAY.
The first pastor who ministered to this congregation was
Mr. William Bigger of Limerick, who preached in 1698, and
was imprisoned in consequence. Mr. Thomas Hooks was
ordained in 1702. At that time the ministers of Dublin
requested the Synod of Ulster to allow .£10 towards his
maintenance. This grant was not regularly paid, and Mr.
Hooks removed to Dublin. The next minister was Mr.
Nathaniel Orr, who was ordained here by the Presbytery of
Down on the 2nd of December, 1707. He demitted this
HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 147
charge in 1710; and was succeeded by Mr. Alexander
Hamilton, "vrho was ordained here by the Presbytery of
Monaghan on the 23rd of March, 1714. The people sent as
commissioners to the Synod, after the resignation of Mr. Orr,
Messrs. Evan Tyler, Jo. Dingwall, and Francis Montgomery.
In 1722 Mr. Hamilton demitted the charge, there not being
above eight or ten families belonging to the congregation,
and these not able to pay the rent of the meeting-house. *
The congregation was revived by the Synod of Ulster in 1833,
and after having been supplied for some time by the Synods'
Mission, Mr. Joseph Fisher was ordained here as fixed pastor
on the 3rd of June, 1835. In February, 1845, Mr. Fisher
resigned the pastoral charge and removed to England. On
the 28th of January, 1846, Mr. William Adair was ordained
to the pastoral charge. According to the last returns the con-
gregation consists of 49 families, paying a stipend of d8120.
Mr. Adair becoming infirm. Dr. W. Ross Hamilton, formerly
of Ballygawley, was installed here on the 2nd of April, 1872.
Dr. Hamilton died on the 27th of July, 1873 ; and was suc-
ceeded by Mr. John C. Moore, who was installed here on the
21st of April, 1875. Mr. Moore, on his removal to Connor,
resigned this charge on the 3rd of May, 1879 ; and was
succeeded by Dr. J. G. Eobb, who was installed here on the
4th of March of the same year. Mr. Adair died on the 13th
of April, 1882. Dr. Eobb died on the 8th of November,
1881 ; and was succeeded by Mr. John C. Clarke, who was
installed here on the 4th of April, 1882.
GAEVAGH 1st.
Mr. Law was minister here in 1660. In 1671 he was con-
nected with the Presbytery of Antrim ; but he seems to have
soon afterwards joined the Eoute Presbytery. In February,
1673, it was agreed by the several Presbyteries that Eoute
may declare the congregation vacant, as Mr. Law had
demitted the charge, and there was no hope of his returning
to it. Mr. Eobert Landish or Landess, who was ordained by
the Eoute Presbytery in January, 1674, appears to have been
his successor. Mr. Landish removed to Scotland at the
Eevolution, In 1691 the Synod wrote to him to return to
his charge ; but without effect ; as he became minister of
* About this time a Koman Catholic bishop was set up iu Galway.
The people had before been under the care of a warden.
148 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.
Blantyre. We hear nothing more of the congregation till
1700, when we find Mr. James Woodside minister here. He
died or resigned in 1719. He was succeeded by Mr. Francis
Eoss, who was ordained here on the 7th of May, 1723. He
died in this charge on the 4th of March, 1751. In 1756 the
people gave a call to Mr. William Callender, minister of a
new erection at Ardstraw. Mr. Callender accepted the call,
and brought his credentials to the Presbytery ; but on the
day of his installation he did not appear, as he had meanwhile
been induced to return to his former place. At length Mr.
Eobert Elder was ordained here in 1761. He died in this
charge on the 18th of May, 1781. After much disputation,
Mr. Brice Millar was ordained here on the 21st of December,
1784 ; but he soon afterwards went to America. He was
succeeded by Mr. Henry Henry, who was ordained here on
the 13th of May, 1788. Mr. Henry removed to Connor in
the December following. He was succeeded by Mr. Gideon
M'Mullan, who was ordained here in February, 1790. He
died in February, 1793. The next minister was Mr. James
Brown, who was ordained hereon the 1st of December, 1795.
Becoming infirm, he resigned the charge ; and Mr. James
Millar was ordained his assistant and successor on the 18th
of February, 1840. Mr. Brown died on the 20th of May,
1850, in the 88th year of his age and the 55th of his ministry.
Mr. Millar died on the 19th of November, 1859. He was
succeeded by Mr. Thomas Davidson, who was ordained here
on the 25th of September, 1860. Mr. Davidson died on the
2nd of August, 1865. He was succeeded by Mr. Thomas
Madill (now LL.D), who was ordained here on the 21st of
February, 1866.
GLASTRT.
This congregation was originally known as Ballyhalbert,
and was annexed to Ballywalter. It was erected into a
separate charge about 1720; and its first minister was Mr.
John M'Murray, who was ordained here on the 28th of
December, 1725. He died in this charge in 1750. He was
succeeded by Mr. Thomas Scott, who was ordained here on
the 14th of June, 1732. He died in April, 1770. He was
succeeded by Mr. William Steel Dickson, who was ordained
here by the Presbytery of Killyleagh on the 6th of March,
1771. He resigned this charge on the 1st of February, 1780,
and removed to Portaferry. He was succeeded by Mr. James
HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS, 149
Sinclair, wlio was ordained here by the Presbytery of Killy-
leagh on the 3rd of October, 1781. Mr. Sinclair having
resigned the charge through age and infirmity, Mr. Alexander
P. Gondy, son of the late Eev. Andrew Goudy, of Bally waiter,
■was ordained here on the 20th of September, 1832. Mr.
Goudy resigned this charge in the Spring of 1833, and
removed to Strabane. The next minister was Mr. John
M'Roberts, who was ordained here on the 8th of June, 1834.
Mr. M'Roberts died on the 17th of April, 1838 ; and was suc-
ceeded by Mr. Gilbert Jamieson, who was ordained here as
assistant and successor to Mr. Sinclair on the 29th of
January, 1839. Mr. Sinclair died on the 15th of June, 1841,
aged 85. Mr. Jamieson having resigned the pastoral charge,
Mr. Robert "Woi-kman was ordained as his successor on the
3rd of September, 1872, Mr. Jamieson died on the 29th of
December, 1879.
GLENARM.
Glenarm is famous as the place where the celebrated
Robert Blair landed on his arrival in Ireland before his
settlement in Bangor. It is probable that there were some
Scotch Presbyterians here at a very early period ; but the
first minister of whom we read, as located in it, is Mr.
Alexander Gilbert, who was ordained in Glenarm on the 2nd
of May, 1655. His continuance in the charge was very brief,
as the place was vacant in January, 1656. Mr. James
Fleming, who was ordained here in June, 1658, was ejected
on the re-establishment of Prelacy in 1661 ; but he conformed
to the Episcopal Church shortly afterwards. In July, 1671,
the people presented a call to Mr. John Anderson, an ordained
minister, who had fled from Scotland. He accepted the call
with a reservation of liberty to return to Scotland when a
door might be opened. In January, 1674, Mr. John
Abernethy appeared as their commissioner before the Presby-
tery, and stated that the congregation paid Mr. Anderson
.£30 per annum — " the usual allowance to ministers in the
country" — and that they were not much in arrear to him.
In October, 1685, Mr. Anderson was removed to Antrim —
his arrears on leaving Glenarm being upwards of =£120. In
July, 1686, the people presented a call to Mr. Hugh Crawford.
Their commissioners on this occasion were Messrs. Henry
Mitchell and Henry Dunn, who promised only ^£20 per
annum. This call the Presbytery sent back, to be signed by
150 HISTORY OP CONGREGATIONS,
Mr. DoBaldson, as being most forward for Mr. Crawford's
settlement ; and it is reported to the Presbytery in January,
1687, that Mr. John Donaldson and his eldest son had both
subscribed it. The Donaldsons are said at that time to have
been a family of note, and the remains of their castle were,
until recently, pointed out in that locality. In February,
1688, Mr. Crawford went to Scotland — having been previously
an ordained minister there — and about this time received a
call from his former congregation in that kingdom. In
September, 1688, the people presented a call to Mr. John
Darragh — and Layd and Cushendall joined with Grlenarm in
this call — seeking preaching every fourth Sabbath from Mr.
Darragh, as he had the Irish tongue.* The Presbytery
appointed him to bring testimonials from Scotland and
liberty from the Church there to settle in Ireland. In
January, 1689, he accordingly produced testimonials from
the Presbytery of Kintyre ; but the troubles of the Revolution
coming on, he retired to Scotland, and the congregation
remained vacant. In April, 1691, the people gave a call to
Mr. Peter Orr, of Clough, but the Presbytery of Route would
not permit his removal. They at last obtained Mr. John
Lee, who had been licensed by the Presbytery of Antrim in
February, 1688, and who was ordained here in 1693. In
1703 he is declared transportable — that is, entitled to a
removal — for what reason we do not know, but probably on
account of inadequate maintenance. There was much difficulty
in obtaining his arrears from Glenarm. They owed him £69,
and the Synod required them to pay him d£40 by instalments ;
but there was great altercation about the settlement of
accounts. He removed to Kingscourt, The congregation
did not obtain a minister till 1709, when Mr. James Creighton
was ordained here on the 24th of May of that year. He died
in this charge July 20th, 1731. He was succeeded by Mr.
Thomas Brown, who was ordained here June 19th, 1732. On
the night of November 17th, 1754, Mr. Brown, when turning
to go over the bridge at Glenarm, fell into the river and was
drowned, and his body was found next morning. He was
succeeded by Mr. Thomas Reid, who was ordained here in
March, 1756. He at length demitted the charge through
infirmity, and Mr. Robert Acheson was ordained his assistant
on the 17th of July, 1792. In June, 1799, he was removed
to Donegall Street Congregation, Belfast. The next minister
* The Irish tongue is still spoken by many in this neighbourhood.
HISTORY OP CONGREGATIONS. 151
was Mr. Alexander Montgomery, wlio was ordained March
17th, 1801. Mr. Reid died February 25th, 1814, leaving
neither widow nor family. At the time of the Unitarian
Secession, in 1829, Mr. Montgomery and a part of the con-
gregation left the Synod of Ulster and retained possession of
the meeting-house. The congregation was soon after annexed
to the Presbytery of Ballymena, and their next minister was
Mr. Hugh VVaddell, who was ordained here on the 24th of
September, 1833. Mr. Waddell becoming infirm, Mr. James
Scott was ordained here on the 28th of September, 1869.
Mr. Waddell died on the 27th of August, 1873. Mr. Scott,
on his removal to Banbridge, resigned this charge on the
21st of September, 1880 ; and was succeeded by Mr. Charles
M. Cowden, who was installed here on the 19th of Julv,
1881. •"
GLENDERMOT 1st.
The first minister of Glendermot, then including Cumber
and Faughanvale, was Mr. John WooU or Will, who was
ordained here in 1654. In 1679, he became infirm, and his
session having substantiated against him several charges of
unseemly carriage, he was advised by the Presbytery to resign,
which he did accordingly. His successor was Mr. James
Gordon, so well known in connection with the seige of Derry.
He it was who advised the apprentice boys to shut the gates,
and who afterwards urged Kirk to attempt the breaking
of the boom. In the Presbytery book of that period Adam
Murray is returned as the elder for Glendermot, and there is
every reason to believe that he is the Colonel Adam Murray
who was the true hero of the seige of Derry.* Mr. Gordon,
as is well known, was on very intimate terms with him, and
in co-operation with his minister, he took the bold stand
which compelled Lundy to make his escape out of the city.
Colonel Murray is interred in the graveyard of Glendermot.
Mr. Gordon went to Scotland about the time of the Revolution,
where he remained until immediately before the period of the
breaking of the boom. In January, 1692, he demitted the
charge of the congregation of Glendermot by letter addressed
to the Presbytery of Lagan. He had for some time before
been ministering to the congregation of Cardross in Scotland,
* A manuscript history of the Irish Presbyterian Church, by the
celebrated Rev. Dr. Campbell, attests the Presbyterianisni of Colonel
Murray. Dr. Campbell had the best means of ascertaining the fact.
152 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.
where he settled, and remained till his death. He was suc-
ceeded in Glendermot by Mr. John Harvey, who came from
the Presbytery of Dumfries in May, 1695. He had previously
been minister of New Abbey in Scotland. In December, 1695,
the congregation supplicated the Presbytery for the settle-
ment of Mr. Harvey, promising <£40 per annum, and some
corn, also to build him a dwelling-house and to keep up the
aforesaid salary, though Cumber and Muff should fall off and
not join with them. He was accordingly installed as minister
in March, 1696. His son, Mr. David Harvey was ordained
here by the Presbytery of Derry, as assistant and successor
to his father, March 23rd, 1731. In 1737 he was removed to
Derry; and his father died on the 20th of August, 1739.
During the subsequent vacancy great dissensions prevailed in
the congx-egation. At length Mr. William Hare was ordained
here by the Presbytery of Derry, March 1st, 1743. He died
in 1767, leaving a widow and family, and was succeeded by
Mr. James Knox, who was ordained here May 1st, 1770. He
demitted the charge in consequence of bodily infirmity in
August, 1798. The next minister was Mr. William Monteith
who was ordained here December 2nd, 1800. Mr. Knox died
November 21st, 1813, leaving neither widow nor family.
Mr. Monteith becoming infirm, Mr. Alexander Buchanan was
ordained his assistant and successor on the 16th June, 1842.
Mr. Monteith died on the 8th of February, 1849. Mr.
Buchanan died on the 31st of October, 1871 ; and was suc-
ceeded by Mr. Thomas Thompson who was ordained here on
the 16th of January, 1872.
GLENDERMOT 2nd.
This congregation was erected in 1743, and annexed for a
time to the Presbytery of Route, which installed here Mr.
John Holmes, formerly minister of Donegall, on the 19th of
April, 1744. The congregation was subsequently annexed to
the Presbytery of Letterkenny. Mr. Holmes died on the
15th of May, 1773, leaving no family, and was succeeded by
Mr. Henry Miller, who was ordained here in May, 1776.
Mr. Miller becoming infirm, Mr. Henry Carson was ordained
his assistant and successor, March 12th, 1815. In April,
1820, Mr. Miller was suspended for the irregular celebration
of marriage. He died January 1st, 1821, leaving a family.
Mr. Carson becoming infirm, Mr. Marshall Moore* was
* He was Bon of the minister of Faughanvale.
HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 153
ordained his assistant and successor on the 3rd of April,
1855. Mr. Moore died on the 4th of January, 1860 ; and on
the 27th of September of the same year the Eev. Joseph
■Corkey (now LL.D.) was ordained his successor.
GLENN AN.
This congregation has been also known by the name of
•Glasslough. Its first minister was Mr. Thomas Gowan, who
was born at Caldermuir, in Scotland, in 1631, and came to
Ireland about 1650. When he settled here he was the only
Protestant minister in the parish. He preached in the
church and enjoyed the tithes. At the Eestoration he was
deposed, and he then removed to Antrim. The congregation
now continued vacant and unplanted for some time. In
1673 the people called Mr. Robert Henry ; but the Presby-
tery of Ajitrim settled him at Carrickfergus. Their com-
jnissioner on that occasion to the Presbytery of Antrim was
Mr. Charles Caldwell. It does not appear that from this
date they enjoyed a settled minister, but were united to the
congregation of Kinnaird — now Minterburn. In 1713 the
people petitioned the Synod to be erected into a distinct
congregation. Their commissioners were Messrs. William
Johnson of Tully, Henry Gillespie, James Widney, and John
Stewart. Their desire was carried into effect, and sanctioned
by the Synod in 1714, when it was stated that " all within
the County of Monaghan towards Cur-bridge were to be
members of this congregation," which was then indis-
criminately called Treugh or Scarnagiroch. They soon after
obtained a stated pastor, as Patrick Plunket was ordained
here on the 11th of May, 1715. Mr. Plunket growing infirm,
Mr. Samuel Kennedy was ordained here in October, 1757.
Mr. Plunket died in 1760, and Mr. Kennedy also departed
this life on the 7th of May, 1781. The next minister was
Mr. John M'Curdy, who was ordained here on the 18th of
October, 1783. Becoming infirm, Mr. William Smyth was
ordained his assistant and successor on the 27th of November,
1820. Mr. M'Curdy died on the L9th of February, 1823.
In 1846 Mr. Smyth applied for leave to his congregation to
choose an assistant and successor ; and on the 13th of May,
1847, Mr. James M. Field was ordained here. Mr. Field
died on the 20th of January, 1855 ; and on the 28th of June,
1856, Mr. Robert Wallace, who had previously been minister
154 HISTORY OF CONGBEGATIONS.
of Scotstown, was installed in Glennan, Mr. Wallace
resigned this charge on the 24th of September, 1861, having
accepted a call from the congregation of Athy ; and on the
28th of May, 1862, Mr. John Davidson was ordained to the
pastoral charge.
GLENWHEEEY.
As early as 1672 the inhabitants of Grlenwherry applied to
the Presbytery for preaching ; but the country was then very
sparsely inhabited, and it does not appear that they obtained
any regular supply of ordinances. Shortly after that date,
when Peden, the famous Scotch field preacher, was obliged
to make his escape from Scotland, he found refuge in Grlen-
wherry. The tradition is that he appeared in the country in
the dress of a labouring man, and engaged himself to a
farmer at a place still known as Shoptown, to thrash oats.
His real character was soon discovered, for his constant
prayerfulness did not escape the notice of the family, and he
then confessed that he was the persecuted evangelist. He
remained for some time in the country ; and often preached
to crowded audiences in private houses and in the open air.
About the same time Willie Gilliland, the hero of Sir
Samuel Ferguson's beautiful poem of that name, appeared
in Glenwherry. He was a Scottish gentleman who was
obliged to leave his native country about the time of the
battle of Bothwell Bridge. He found shelter at the Collin,
where Mr. Arthur Allen, an elder of the Presbyterian Church,
and one of his descendants, now inhei'its a valuable estate.
He had two sons, one of whom lived at Collin, and another
at Tildarg, about two miles distant. From Willie Gilliland
many respectable families in the North of Ireland are des-
cended. Glenwherry long remained without a minister ;
some of the people attending worshij) at the Braid, some at
Connor, and some at Ballyeaston ; but at length in 1823 the
inhabitants applied to the Synod of Ulster, and were erected
into a separate congregation. Their first minister was Mr.
John Montgomery, who was ordained here by the Presbytery
of Ballymena on the 6th of September, 1825. Becoming
infirm, Mr. Eobert Jeffrey was ordained as his assistant on
the 22nd of December, 1868. Mr. Montgomery died on the
22nd of July, 1869. Mr. Jeffrey resigned his charge of the
congregation on the 23rd of January, 1873, and removed to
Greyabbey. He was succeeded by Mr. James Morell, who
HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 155
■was ordained here on the 3rd of March, 1874. Mr. Morell
resigned this charge on the 1st of February, 1881, on his
removal to Eathf riland ; and was succeeded by Mr. Hamilton
Moore, who was ordained here on the 1st of November, 1881.
GRANGE.
In the Grange, a district in the neighbourhood of Bally-
mena and Randalstown, the Quakers had one of their earliest
settlements in Ireland. A Presbyterian congregation was
also established here in the seventeenth centux-y. It was
originally associated with the congregation of Duuean. The
two congregations had alternate supplies of preaching. This
state of things was unsatisfactory ; and a proposal was made
that a meeting-house should be erected on some central spot,
to which all could resort, and thus have public ordinances
every Lord's day. But they could not agree to such a settle-
ment. The following is one of several minutes relative to
this subject: — "May 1st, 1688. — Mr. David Cunningham
spoke to Mr. Dalway about the privilege of Grange, who
declares that their privilege is of no weight to hinder their
joining with Dunean in one meeting-place. On this, James
Stuart, from Grange, declares they resolve to have a separate
meeting-house, notwithstanding all that has been said. The
meeting desired Mr. Elias Travers to speak to the Lord or
Lady Massereene as to their mind on it." Again : — " As to
the place of the meeting-house, they declare Dunean and
Grange cannot be united, which is also the mind of my Lord
Massereene, reported by Elias Travers ; but both parties
agree that both the meeting-houses be erected as near the
march of Dunean and Grange as can be." Mr. Elias Travers,
who is here mentioned, was chaplain to Lord Massereene.
He was nephew to Lord Radnor, better known as Lord
Roberts, who, in 1669, was Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. Mr.
Travers could not conform to Prelacy, and became a Presby-
terian minister. After the Revolution he settled in Dublin
as minister of Cork Street congregation, and officiated there
till his death in 1705. The Massereene family at this time
took much interest in the affairs of the Presbyterian Church,
and Lady Massereene seems to have been a Presbyterian.
As the Massereene property was in the neighbourhood of
Grange, we can well understand why Mr. Elias Travers, Lord
Massereene' s chaplain, and himself a Presbyterian minister,
156 HISTOET OP CONGREGATIONS.
took SO inucli trouble in endeavouring to arrange the site of
the Grange meeting-house. Mr. Dalwaj, ancestor of Marriott
Dalway, Esq., formerly M.P. for Carrickfergus, was a member
of the Presbyterian Church. He was a man of influence in
the county, and perhaps had some property in the district
where the dispute was going on. The two congregations of
Dunean and Grange remained united ; but the association
was found to be very inconvenient. In 1733 the people of
Grange complained that Mr. Henderson, the minister of
Dunean, had given up the charge of them. He had joined
the Presbytery of Antrim in 1725. The Presbyterians of the
district were now for a considerable time without a stated
ministry. At length, on the 4th of June, 1745, Mr. Francis
O'Bryan was ordained here. He demitted the charge in
1752, and died on the 30th of June, 1753. The congregation
was again annexed to Dunean ; and Mr. Robert Scott was
ordained to the united charge on the 28th of June, 1762.
Shortly after the death of Mr. Scott the union was again
dissolved. In 1820 the people sought to be erected into a
separate congregation ; and the Presbytery of Ballymena
was ordered to supj^ly them with preaching. In the following
year they were recognised by the Synod as a distinct charge.
They then stated that they had their meeting-house in good
order, and that they would engage to pay an annual stipend
of d£54. Their first minister in this separate state was Mr.
Robert Rusk, who was ordained here on the 23rd of March,
1824. Mr. Rusk died here on the 25th of July, 1841. He
was succeeded by Mr. Hall Stewart, who was ordained here
on the 21st of July, 1842. Becoming infirm Mr. Stewart
retired from the active duties of the ministry in August,
1881, and was succeeded by the Rev. Robert Erwin, formerly
of Caledon, who was installed here on the 3rd January, 1882.
GREYABBEY.
The earliest minister here was Mr. Fergus Alexander. He
was imprisoned by Venables in 1650 ; but he had either left
the country at the subsequent severities of the Republican
party, or had died before 1660, as we do not find him then in
the country. The people then joined the congregation of
Bally waiter. In 1731 the people of Greyabbey, by their
commissioners, Messrs. Rowan and Ferdinand Baillie, sup-
plicated to be erected into a separate congregation, which
HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 157
was opposed by Bally waiter, and for a time deferred. It was
ordered that Mr. Goudy, of Ballywalter, supply here every
fourth Sabbath, they paying annually to him £,7 10s., with
meal and turf as usual. At the death of Mr. Groudy they
were erected into a distinct congregation by the Synod in
1773, on their promise of d830 per annum and £,10 worth of
victual and turf. Captain Montgomery became security for
this sum. Their first minister was Mr. James Cochran,
formerly minister at Dunfanaghy, who was installed here
June 9th, 1736. He died in this charge in the end of March,
1739; and was succeeded by Mr. Hugh Dickson, who was
ordained here by the Pi'esbytery of Bangor January 13th,
1742. Mr. Dickson died 18th May, 1771, leaving a widow
and family ; and was succeeded hj Mr. Samuel Martin
Stephenson, who was ordained here June 20th, 1774. He
demitted this charge August 1st, 1785 ; and having obtained
the degree of M.D., settled in Belfast as a physician, where
he attained high distinction in his profession. He was the
father of the late Dr. Stephenson, of Belfast. He was suc-
ceeded in Greyabbey by Mr. James Porter, who was ordained
here July 31st, 1787. On the 2nd of July, 1798, Mr. Porter
was executed on a rising ground in the immediate vicinity of
his own house for his complicity in the rebellion. He was the
only ordained minister connected with the Presbyterian
Church in Ireland who suffered capitally at that time for
treason. He wrote a famous pamphlet called " Billy Bluff
and the Squire." Billy Bluff was Billy Lowry, a small
farmer near Greyabbey, who was the bailiff of the estate ;
and the squire was Squire Montgomery of Greyabbey. The
next minister was Mr. John Watson, who was ordained here
September 3rd, 1799. In 1829 Mr. Watson and a part of
the congregation seceded from the Synod of Ulster. The
part of the congregation adhering to the Synod called Mr,
David Jeffrey, who was ordained here September 13th, 1832.
Mr. Jeffrey died on the 5th of December, 1872 ; and was
succeeded by his son, the Eev. Robert Jeffrey, formerly of
Glenwherry, who was installed here on the 4th of February,
1873. Mr. Jeffrey, on his removal to Bombay, resigned
this charge on the 5th of November, 1878 ; and was suc-
ceeded by Mr. John Anderson, who was installed here on the
20th of May, 1879.
158 HISTOEY OF CONGKEGATIONS.
GEOOMSPOET.
The people of Groomsport were originally connected with
the congregation of Bangor. Nearly fifty years ago a
movement was made towards their erection into a congrega-
tion ; but the lord of the soil strenuously opposed the
measure, and refused to give any site for a place of worship.
It so happened, however, that, in the very heart of the
village, there was a tenement in perpetuity held by a Presby-
terian willing to part with it on very reasonable terms ; this
was soon secured, and the congregation forthwith prospered.
On the 18th of May, 1841, Mr. Isaac Mack was ordained as
the first minister. Mr. Mack collected funds for the erection,
not only of the church, but of the schools and other buildings
connected with it. The people of Groomsport are indebted
to Mr. William M'Murray, of London, for the very handsome
balcony in front of the church, as well as for its clock and
bell. Mr. Mack, who had a great taste for architecture, did
much to improve the appearance of the village of Groomsport
and its neighbourhood. He died on the 12th of July, 1877 ;
and was succeeded by Mr. James Latimer,* who was installed
here on the 2nd of April, 1878.
HILLSBOEOUGH.
This congregation was erected by the Presbytery of Belfast
in April, 1832, and its first minister was Mr. Henry Jackson
Dobbin (afterwards D.D.), son of the Eev. H. Dobbin, of
Lurgan. Mr. Dobbin was ordained here on the 18th of
September, 1833. On the 30th of January, 1837, Mr. Dobbin
resigned this charge and removed to 1st Ballymena. He
was succeeded by Mr. Samuel Marcus Dill (afterwards D.D.),
formerly minister of Magherally, who was installed here on
the 3rd of October, 1837. On the 28th of September, 1853,
Mr. Dill resigned this charge and removed to 1st Ballymena,
as successor to Dr. Dobbin. He was succeeded in Hills-
borough by Mr. Alexander Montgomery, who was ordained
here on the 28th of March, 1854. On the 27th of August,
1854, Mr. Montgomery resigned this charge, having received
a call to the congregation of Magherafelt. He was succeeded
* The congregation of Groomsport has recently been much in-
debted to Samuel Kingham, Esq., J. P., by whose encouragement and
patronage a beautiful manse has been erected.
HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 159
"by Mr. Eobert Templeton, who was installed here on the
27th of March, 1855. On the 9th of June, 1857, Mr.
Templeton resigned this charge ; and was succeeded by Mr.
Galbraith H. Johnston, who was installed here on the 30th
of September, 1857.
HILLTOWN.
This congregation was erected by the Presbytery of
Dromore in 1826. The first minister was Mr. Edward Allen,
who was ordained here on the 5th of June, 1827. His
ministry soon came to a close, as he was set aside for
immorality in the following year. The next minister was
Mr. Robert Lockhart, who was ordained here on the 2nd of
June, 1829. The congregation was still without the Begium
Bonum, and remained in this position for some time after the
settlement of Mr. Lockhart. At length in 1831 it obtained
the grant on what was then the 3rd class — that is, at the
rate of .£50 a-year, late Ii*ish currency.
HOLTWOOD 1st.
The first minister here was Mr. Eobert Cunningham. He
had been chaplain to the Earl of Buccleugh's regiment in
Holland, and was admitted to this charge by the Bishop of
Down and Connor, November 9th, 1615. Mr. Cunningham
was a man of eminent piety and great ministerial gifts. In
1636 he was deposed for nonconformity, when he fled to
Scotland. He died the following year at Irvine, and his
friend, the great Eobert Blair, of Bangor, composed an
epitaph in Latin verse, which was inscribed on his tombstone.
After his deposition there was no minister here till after the
Irish Eebellion of 1641. On April 8th, 1644, the Covenant
was administered at Holywood by the Eev. William Adair,
from Scotland, who preached and presided. An eldership or
session had been ordained here in June, 1642. Holywood
was united to Bundonald under the ministry of Peebles,
Kennedy, and Cobham. Under the ministry of Cobham, in
1704, a separation took place, and Mr. Cobham died in the
sole charge of Holywood June 24th, 1706. His successor
was Mr. Michael Bruce, son of Mr. Bruce, of Killyleagh. He
was ordained here October 10th, 1711. In 1715 he was
called to Monaghan, but the Synod decided against his
removal. The commissioners from Holvwood on this occasion
160 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.
were Arthur Kennedy, Esq., Messrs. Jo. Kennedy, Jo.
Hamilton, James Russel, and James Hamilton. In 1725
Mr. Bruce joined the Nonsubscribing Presbytery of Antrim.
A schism soon afterwards took place in the congregation,
some of them, with Mr. Bruce, separating from the Synod of
Ulster, and retaining possession of the meeting-house ; others
remaining with the Synod, and erecting a new house of
worship for themselves. Those who remained with the Synod
were the poorer portion of the congregation. In 1729 they
applied by their commissioner, Mr. Matthew Eussel, to the
Synod for assistance, having given a call to a probationer,
and being able to advance only ^£17 per annum. Their first
minister was Mr. William Smith, who was ordained here
November 4th, 1729. He died in this charge October 1st,
1741 ; and was succeeded by Mr. William Eodgers, who was
ordained here by the Presbytery of Bangor, November 20th,
1743. He removed to Ballynure in 1751. Their next
minister was Mr. John King, who had been licensed by the
Presbytery of Warrington, and received by the Synod in
1743. He was ordained here December 3rd, 1754. He died
in this charge August 20th, 1777, leaving neither widow nor
family ; and was succeeded by Mr. Thomas Kennedy, formerly
minister in America, who was installed by the Presbytery of
Belfast August 4th, 1778. He died February 7th, 1788,
leaving a widow and family. Their next minister was Mr.
Joseph Harrison, who was ordained March 4th, 1788. He
died February 12th, 1816, leaving a widow and family; and
was succeeded by his son, Mr. William Hai-rison, who was
ordained here March 19th, 1816. He died in this charge
September 15th, 1824, leaving neither widow nor family.
Their next minister was Mr. Henry Wallace, who was
ordained here December 5th, 1826. Mr. Wallace (now
Professor Wallace of the Assembly's College, Belfast) resigned
this charge on the 6th of May, 1834, and removed to Cork.
He was succeeded by Mr. William Blackwood, who was
ordained here on the 17th of February, 1835. In February,
1844, Mr. Blackwood resigned the pastoral charge, and
removed to England; and was succeeded by Mr. Henry
Henderson, who was ordained here on the 25th of September,
1844. Mr. Henderson becoming infirm, Mr. Henry Halliday
was ordained here on the 8th of January, 1878. Mr.
Henderson died on the 7th of December, 1879.
HISTORY OF CONGKEGATIONS. 161
INCH.
The Presbyterians of the island of Incli,near Derry, formerly
belonged to Burt congregation, but their insular situation
rendered it inconvenient and somewhat dangerous for them
to attend public worship on the mainland with very great
regularity. They were in consequence separated from Burt
and formed into a distinct congregation by the Presbytery of
Derry in 1831. Their first minister was Mr. Samuel Armour,
who was ordained here on the 5th of March, 1833. Mr.
Armour died on the 11th of June, 1853 ; and was succeeded
by Mr. James Anderson, who had been ordained here by the
Presbytery of Derry on the 23rd of September, 1852. Ac-
cording to the Minutes of the Greneral Assembly this little
congregation consists of twenty-two families.
ISLANDMAGEE 1st.
IsLANDMAGEE, a pcuiusula fivo or six miles long and one
and a-half broad, on the eastei-n coast of the County of
Antrim, has acquired a historical notoriety as the scene of a
sad act of party retaliation. Towards the close of 1641, the
Irish Romanists rose up in rebellion and massacred many
thousands of the Protestants of Ulster. The butchery went
on for upwards of two months, and, on the 3rd of January,
1642, a party of the insurgents murdered in cold blood about
three score old men, women, and children, about a mile and
a-half from Carrickfergus Castle. Some of the Protestants of
the neighbourhood, irritated by these horrid cruelties, on the
9th of January, 1642, put to death about thirty Romanists in
their own houses, or near them, in Islandmagee. The story
that 3,000 Romanists were driven over the Grobbins there is
a monstrous Popish fiction, invented long afterwards. At
that time inhere was no Presbyterian minister in the district,
for the Prelatic party, a few years before, had driven the
Presbyterian ministers from their pulpits. About six years
prior to this date, the Rev. Edward Brice, who had preached
for twenty-three years to the people of Islandmagee and
Ballycarry, had died, after having been sentenced to deposi-
tion by the Bishop of Down and Connor. The Presbyterians
of Islandmagee now remained without a minister till 1647,
when Mr. Henry Main was ordained among them. He was
imprisoned by Venables in Carrickfergus in 1650. In 1651
K
162 HISTORY or CONGBEGATIONS.
"we find bim supplying a congregation within tlie bounds of
the Presbytery of Paisley. In 1658 Mr. William Mill, from
Aberdeen, was settled here, but, like others brought up in
that part of Scotland, he was of unsteady principles, and he
was one of the very few Presbyterian ministers in Ireland
who conformed at the time of the Restoration. The next
notice we have of this congregation is in 1671, when we find
it supplied by Mr. John Haltridge, a probationer, who was
ordained by the Presbytery of Antrim at Ballycarry on the
8th of May, 1672. It appears from Wodrow, that Mr.
Haltridge had been previously chaplain to Sir William
Cunningham, of Cunningham-head, in Scotland, and that he
had been brought before the High Commission Court at
Glasgow in 1664. He was then forbidden to preach by the
Archbishop of Glasgow, and he, in consequence, came to
Ireland. He continued in Islandmagee for twenty-five years,
surviving the Revolution, and dying in 1697. His successor,
Mr. Robert Sinclair was ordained here May 10th, 1704. He
died in this charge January 5th, 1731 ; and was succeeded
by Mr. Robert Leather, who was ordained here February
12th, 1733. He was deposed in 1740 for fornication. The
next minister was Mr. George Heron, a licentiate of the
Presbytery of Aberdeen, who was ordained here August 8th,
1747. He was translated from Islandmagee to a living in
Scotland. He was succeeded by Mr. James Dunbar, who was
ordained March 14th, 1758. 'Mr. Dunbar died in 1766,
leaving a widow and family ; and was succeeded by Mr.
M'Aulay, who was ordained December 14th, 1769. He
resigned ten years afterwards ; and was succeeded by Mr.
David Ker, who was ordained March 4th, 1783. Mr. Ker
demitted the charge in 1788, and removed to America. He
was succeeded by Mr. John Murphy, who was ordained here
August 15th, 1789. Becoming infirm, Mr. William Camp-
bell, a native of Killyleagh, was ordained his assistant and
successor on the 14th of April, 1829.* Mr. Murphy died
June 12th, 1842, in the 87th year of his age. Mr. Campbell
died on the 17th of August, 1876 ; and was succeeded by
Mr. David Steen, who was ordained hei'e on the 14th of
August, 1877.
* Soon after his ordination Mr. Campbell took with him one day from
Belfast a bundle of young trees which he had purchased there ; they
were j)lanted by him in the meecing-house green of which they are now
distinguished ornaments.
HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 163
KEADY 1st.
This congregation was established in the heginnino- of the
eighteenth century. Its first minister was Mr. Thomas
Milliken, or Mulligan, who was ordained here by the Presby-
tery of Armagh, December 17th, 1706. He died in January,
1734, and was succeeded by Mr. John Gibson, formerly
minister of Cavanaleck, who was installed here January 13th,
1738. He demitted this charge in 1776. The people now
gave a call to Mr. Eobert Black, afterwards D.D. and minister
of Derry, but he did not settle among them. Mr. Joseph
Smyth was then ordained on the 15th of October, 1777. Mr.
Gibson died September 25th, 1779, leaving neither widow
nor family ; and Mr. Smith died July 20th, 1795, leaving
both a widow and family. The next minister was Mr. Henry
M'llree, formerly minister of Vinecash, who was installed
here by the Presbytery of Monaghan, March 8th, 1797. This
installation was set aside by the Synod in 1798; but in
1800 it was ordered that he be again installed by the Presbv-
tery of Monaghan; and the minority who opposed him were
erected into a separate congregation. Mr. M'llree died
November 8th, 1817. The next minister was Mr. Andrew
Breakey, who was ordained here, August 10th, 1819. He
resigned this charge on the 8th of March, 1831, and removed
to Killyleagh. He was succeeded by Mr. Solomon Love, who
was ordained December 28th, 1831. In 1836 Mr. Love was
degraded. The next minister was Mr. H. W. Carson, now
D.D., who was ordained here by the Presbytery of Armagh,
September 12th, 1838.
KEADY 2nd
This congregation was erected in 1800, in consequence of
disputes relative to the election of the minister of the 1st
congregation. The first minister was Dr. William Steele
Dickson, who was installed here March 4th, 1803. He had
previously been minister of Portaferry. In 1812 he was
suspended ab officio for refusing to retract the assertions
contained in his famous " Narrative." Dr. Dickson was
supposed to have been deeply implicated in the Rebellion of
1798. In 1815 the congregation reported that he had
resigned the charge through infirmity. The congregation
was then disannexed from the Presbytery of Tyrone and
164 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.
joined to that of Armagh. The next minister was Mr.
Joseph Jenkins, who was ordained here March 20, 1816. Dr.
Dickson was afterwards joined to the Presbytery of Bangor,
and d ied December 27th, 1824. This congregation did not
obtain Begium JDonum till l8l6. Mr. Jenkins becoming
infirm, Mr. George Steen was ordained as his assistant and
successor on the 9th of November, 1854. Mr. Jenkins died
on the 30th of August, 1862.
KILLEAD.
This congregation appears to have grown out of an early
settlement at Oldstone. Mr. James Grlendinning removed
to Oldstone in this parish about 1625, but continued only a
short time, when he left the country. He was succeeded by
Mr. Henry Colvert, who had been ordained by the Bishop of
Eaphoe, May 4th, 1629 ; was helper to Mr. Brice at Broad-
island, and was admitted to the vicarage of Muckamore
June 17th, 1630, on the presentation of Eoger Langford,
Esq. Being deposed by the Bishop of Down in 1636, he fled
to Scotland, and being admitted minister at Paisley, in 1638,
died in that charge. This congregation was, no doubt, early
planted after the restoration of Presbyterianism, but the
first notice we have of it is not till 1660, when we find Mr.
Eobert Hamilton minister here. He was deposed by the
bishop in 1661, but he nevertheless continued to officiate
among his people till his death in December, 1673. In
February, 1674, Mr. Patrick Mortimer was their commis-
sioner to the Presbytery. The following montli they wrote
to Mr. J. Frieland, in Scotland, to come over with a view to
being settled here, with which he complied in May, and on
July" 7th they presented him with a call. In the end of the
month, however, he returned to Scotland on a visit, and did
not come back till January 7th, 1675, when he became
constant supplier. In June their commissioners, Messrs.
Alexander Gordon and Alexander Bellahill, promised to
secure Mr. Frieland .£30 per annum, 20 bolls of oats, and
fuel, and he was ordained in the end of the year. In
December, 1686, he proposed to have the parish divided, and
a second minister settled. Accordingly in June, 1687, the
parish gave a call to Mr. John Malcome to be the minister of
Lower Killead, where he was ordained December 5th, 1687.
Mr. Adair, of Ballyeaston, presided on the occasion, and
HISTORY OF CONGEEGATIOKS. 165
preached from 2 Cor. ii. 16. Mr. Malcome removed to
Dunmurry about 1699. Mr. Frieland died March 12th,
1716 ; and was succeeded by Mr. Robert Wirling, who was
installed here May 16th, 1716. The division of this con-
gregation into Upper and Lower Avas set aside in 1699, and
the lower part, with Kilmakevit, was ordered to join with
Glenavy ; and Mr. Malcome removing at the same time to
Dunmun-y, the whole charge devolved on Mr. Frieland, and
his successor Mr. Wirling. Mr. Wirling was deposed from
the ministry in 1726, but for what offence the minutes do
not specify. In 1730, however, having professed his repent-
ance, and his resolution to carry more cautiously for the
future, he was restored to the ministry, but was not suffered
to preach in this congregation. The nest minister was Mr.
Hugh Scott, who was ordained here April 9th, 1733. He
was pi-esent at the Synod in 1735, but removed in that year
to the first congregation of Newtownards. He was succeeded
by Mr. John M'Connell, who was ordained here May 3rd,
1737. He died June 8th, 1770, leaving neither widow nor
family ; and was succeeded by Mr. Andrew Hume, who was
ordained here February 26th, 1772. He appears to have
been deposed about the year 1783. Their next minister was
Mr. Robert Orr, who was ordained here January 2nd, 1787.
Becoming infirm, Mr. Joseph M'Kee was ordained to the
charge September 5th, 1826. Mr. Orr died in Belfast on
Sunday, the 13th of October, 1833, leaving a widow and
family. Mr. M'Kee resigned the charge of the congregation
in July, 1849, and died in 1856. Mr. Henry E. Mecredy
was ordained to the charge in March, 1850.
KILLESHANDRA.
This congregation was at one time also called Croghan.
In 1688 Mr. Samuel Kelso was minister here. At the
Revolution he retired to Scotland, and probably never
returned. The next minister was Mr. James Tate, who was
ordained here by the Presbytery of Monaghan on the 10th
of May, 1705. He died in this charge on the 17th of May,
1729. The next minister was Mr. James Hamilton, who was
ordained here on the 23rd of February, 1732. He removed
from this to Ballyjamesduff in the following year. He was
succeeded by Mr. George Carson, who was ordained here on
the 21st of May, 1735. In August, 1780, he resigned the
166 HISTOEY OF CONGREGATIONS.
charge through bodily infirmity ; and was succeeded by Mr.
William Millar, who had formerly been minister at Ennis-
killen, and who was installed here on the 7th of May, 1781.
Mr. Carson died on the 10th of January, 1782. Mr. Millar
resigned his charge here on the 1st of July, 1795 ; and was
succeeded by Mr. Joseph Lawson, formerly minister at
Lisluney, who was installed here on the 16th of June, 1796.
He died in this charge on the 7th of February, 1799, leaving
a widow and child. The next minister was Mr. Joseph
Denham, formerly minister at Ennishillen, who was installed
here in September, 1799. He was the father of the Rev. Dr.
Denham of Londonderry. Mr. Denham died in this charge
on the 21st of October, 1834 ; and was succeeded by Mr.
William White, son of Mr. Patrick White, minister of Bailie-
borough. Mr. White was ordained here on the 29th of
September, 1835. He resigned this charge on the 19th of
October, 1839, and removed to Downpatrick. He was suc-
ceeded by Mr. William Sweeny, who had formerly been
connected with the Covenanters, and who was installed here
by the Presbytery of Monaghan on the 30th of March, 1841.
Mr. Sweeny becoming infirm, Mr. William James Stronge was
ordained as his assistant on the 31st of December, 1867.
Mr. Sweeny died shortly afterwards. Mr. Stronge, on his
removal to Churchtown, resigned this charge on the 29th of
June, 1880 ; and was succeeded by Mr. John H. Whitsitt,
who was ordained here on the 3rd of March, 1881.
KILLETEE.
This congregation originally formed part of that of Derg.
It was disannexed from it in November, 1827. The first
minister was Mr. John Davis, who was ordained here by the
Presbytery of Strabane on the 6th of February, 1 828. Mr.
Davis died on the 25th of February, 1832, leaving neither
widow nor family. He was succeeded by Mr. Joseph
Crockett, who was ordained here on the 20th of December,
1832. In August, 1837, Mr. Crockett resigned the charge
and removed to Derg. He was succeeded by Mr. William
Hamilton, who was ordained here by the Presbytery of
Strabane on the 20th of February, 1838 ; but, this ordination
having been effected in opposition to an appeal to the Synod,
was declared irregular by the Synod in June, 1838, and Mr.
Hamilton was consequently disannexed from the congrega-
HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 167
tion. The next minister was Mr. Josepli Love, who was
ordained here on the 26th of February, 1839. Mr. Love
died on the 23rd of May, 1885 ; and on the 18th of August
following, his son, the Eev. George C. Love, was installed
here.
KILLINCHY.
This congregation was originally united to that of Killy-
leagh, under the ministry of Mr. Bole. Its first settled
minister was Mr. John Livingston, who was ordained by the
Bishop of Raphoe, and located here in August, 1630. After
several vicissitudes, detailed in his Life, he ultimately fled to
Scotland in the year 1637.* The congregation continued
destitute of a regular ministry till 1657, when Mr. Livingston,
now in Scotland, sent them over Mr. Michael Bruce, who
was ordained in the parish church of Killinchy by the Presby-
tery in the autumn of the same year. At the Restoration he
was deposed by the bishop, and fled to Scotland. After
sustaining various hardships, both in Scotland and at London,
he obtained permission to return to Killinchy in 1670. In
the summer of that year the first meeting-house ever erected
in the parish was built. In 1714 this house was thrown
down and another erected on the same spot. At the troubles
in 1689 Mr. Bruce again retreated to Scotland in spring; and
becoming minister at Anworth, in Galloway, he died there in
1693, and lies buried in the church of that parish. He was
succeeded by Mr. Archibald Hamilton, who removed from
Armagh, and was installed here by the Presbytery of Down
in March, 1693. He died at Belfast January 4th, 1699, and
was buried at Bangor, where his tomb and epitaph are still
to be seen. The next minister was Mr. James Reid, whowas
ordained here April 28th, 1702. He continued to be minister
here for fifty-one years, and died in the beginning of June,
1753. Their next minister was Mr. Joseph Kinkead, who
removed hither from Stranorlar in 1755 ; but owing to dis-
putes between the people and the Presbytery of Killyleagh,
his installation was a long time delayed. At length he was
installed here by the Presbytery of Bangor April 28th, 1763.
He died July 20th, 1782, leaving a widow and family. Their
* Mr. Livingston was one of the most awakening preachers of the
age. The revival of the Kirk of Shots took place under a sermon he
delivered.
168 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.
next minister was Mr, George M'Ewen, ordained here by tlie
Presbytery of Belfast March 11th, 1783. He died March
20th, 1795, leaving a widow and family ; and was succeeded
by Mr. Samuel Watson, who was ordained here in September,
1797. In August, 1835, Mr. Watson was suspended sinedie
for Arianism, whereupon he joined the Eemonstrants ; and
was succeeded by Mr. David Anderson, who was ordained to
this charge December 6th, 1836. Mr. Anderson died on the
25th of January, 1871 ; and was succeeded by Mr. David R.
Moore, who was ordained here on the 2nd of April, 1872.
KILLYLEAGH 1st.
The first minister of this congregation was Mr. John Bole
He was blind. In 1639 he was imprisoned for refusing to
take the " black oath," and dissuading his people from the
same. The next minister was Mr. William Richardson, who
was ordained here about the beginning of the year 1649.
He died July 27th, 1670. He was succeeded by Mr.
Alexander Ferguson, who had before, for twelve years, been
minister of Sorbie, in Scotland. Mr. Ferguson settled at
Killyleagh in 1670, and died there in 1684 in the 53rd year
of his age. He was succeeded by Mr. James Bruce, son of
Mr. Michael Bruce, of Killinchy, and ancestor of Sir Hervey
Bruce, of Downhill. Mr. Bruce removed to Scotland at the
Revolution, where he remained for some time, but returned
in 1691. During the early part of his ministry here, the
Hamilton family kept a chaj^lain in Killyleagh Castle, who
was a member of the Presbytery of Down, and sat with it.
His name was Patrick Peacock. It is said that he was
married to a relative of the Hamilton family. In 1697 it is
reported to the Synod of Ulster that a philosophy school,
conducted by Mr. James M'Alpine, had been established at
Killyleagh. It was designed to prepare young men going
forward to the ministry with a philosophical education. Mr.
James Bruce died February 17th, 1730 ; and was succeeded
by his son, Mr. Patrick Bruce, who had previously been
minister of Drumbo. Mr. Patrick Bruce was installed as
minister of Killyleagh in the beginning of the year 1731, but
died here April 9th, 1732. He was succeeded by Mr. Gilbert
Kennedy, jun., who had been a short time minister of
Lisburn, and was installed here in the beginning of the year
1733. In 1744 Mr. Kennedy removed to the 2nd congrega-
HISTOET OF CONGREGATIONS. 169
tion of Belfast, but still remained a member of the Synod of
Ulster, though the congregation to which he was now trans-
ferred had been previously connected with the Presbytery of
Antrim. Mr. Kennedy was succeeded in Killyleagh by Mr.
William Dun, who was ordained May 29th, 1745. Mr. Dun
removed to Cook Street Congregation, Dublin, in February,
1765. The next minister was Mr. Joseph Little, who was
ordained to the pastoral charge November 18th, 1768. Mr.
Little was a highly respectable scholar, and possessed of no
small amount of talent. His influence was most beneficially
exerted towards the end of the last century. He steadfastly
opposed himself to the spread of revolutionary principles, so
that the spirit of sedition which broke out into open rebellion
in the year 1798 made comparatively little progress in the
neighbourhood of Killyleagh. But his ministerial efficiency
was greatly impaired by his eccentricities and his avarice.
At the time of his demise he is said to have possessed
property to the amount of ,£15,000 or ,£16,000. He died in
July, 1813 ; and was succeeded by Mr. W. D. H. M'Ewen,
who had formerly been minister of Usher's Quay, Dublin,
and who was installed here August 17, 1813. Mr. M'Ewen
removed to the 2nd congregation, Belfast, in 1817 ; and was
succeeded by Mr. Henry Cooke (afterwards D.D., LL.D.),
who had formerly been minister, first of Dunean, and after-
wards of Donegore, and who was installed here September
8th, 1818. Shortly after his settlement at Killyleagh, Mr.
Cooke distinguished himself as the assailant of Arianism ;
and in his efforts to free the Synod of Ulster from that
heresy he was nobly supported by his elder, Captain Rowan.
Mr. Cooke removed to Belfast in 1829 ; and was succeeded
by Mr. Andrew Breakey, who had formerly been minister of
1st Keady, and who was installed here March 22nd, 1831.
Mr. Breakey becoming infirm, Mr. William Witherow,
formerly of Donaghadee, was installed here on the 6th of
April, 1882. Mr. Breakey died on the 17th of November of
the same year ; and Mr. Witherow, on his removal to West-
bourne Church, Ballymacarrett, resigned this charge on the
30th of January, 1883 ; «nd was succeeded by Mr. John E.
M'Cleery,who was installed hereon the 7th of August, 1883.
KILMOEE.
This congregation was formed in 1713, when we find
170 HISTORY OF CONGREaATIONS.
Saintfield complaining of some townlands being taken from
it and transferred to the new erection. The first minister
was Mr. Thomas Elder, of whom we have the following
notice in the Synod's minutes for 1715 : — " Down Presbytery
reported that Mr. Thomas Elder, who was some time ago
deposed from the office of the holy ministry by the General
Assembly of the Kirk of Scotland, and he having represented
his case to the Synod of Belfast, who, being well informed of
his good deportment since he came into the bounds of that
Synod, wrote a letter to the Assembly in his behalf, and that
he went with said letter to the Assembly, who have now
restored him to the office of the ministry." The act of the
Assembly was accordingly read, and Mr. Elder acknowledged
as a minister. He was installed in this charge on the 14th
of June, 1716. He was present at the Synod in 1726, but he
either died or left this charge soon after. He was succeeded
by Mr. Samuel Fugie, or Eergie, who was ordained here by
the Presbytery of Bangor on the 23rd of October, 1728.
He died in this charge May 3rd, 1765, leaving a widow and
family. He was succeeded by Mr. Moses Neilson, who was
ordained here by the Presbytery of Killyleagh in 1767.*
Becoming infirm, his son, Arthur Neilson was ordained his
assistant and successor on the 13th of June, 1810. Dr.
Moses Neilson died April 23rd, 1823, leaving a widow and
family. In 1829 Mr. Arthur Neilson and this congregation
seceded from the Synod of Ulster, but, at his death in 1831,
the majority of the people returned to the Synod; and Mr.
Moses Black was ordained here by the Presbytery of Belfast
on the 2nd of April, 1833. The present place of worship was
built mainly through the exertions of a single individual,
the late worthy Mr. David K. Clarke. Mr. Black died on the
12th March, 1881 ; and was succeeded by Mr. Thomas
Alexander, formerly of Courtrai, who was installed here on
the 13th of September of the same year.
KILEATJGHTS 1st.
We find Mr. Eobert Nelson miriSster here in 1702. He
appears to have been settled in the place some time before.
In 1712 disputes commenced between Mr. Nelson and his
*The Neilsons were distinguished by their linguistic attainments,
and did much to promote a knowledge of classical literature in the
North of Ireland.
HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 171
people, so that the Synod in the following year recommended
his demission of the charge. He had been guilty of no
immorality, but the Synod considered that his continuance
here would not be for edification. The Synod required the
people to pay an arrear of £60 due to him, and agreed that
his Begium Donum should be continued. He died in May,
1721. He was succeeded by Mr. John Cochrane, who was
ordained here on the 27th September, 1716. In 1731 he
was called to Bangor ; but the Synod decided that he should
continue in Kilraughts. In 1748 the Synod, after a second
application, permitted him to remove to Bangor. He was
succeeded here by Mr. Robert Ewing, who was ordained on
the 12th of June, 1751. He died on the 23rd September,
1786. The next minister was Mr. Matthew Elder, who was
ordained to this charge in 1789. He died July 23rd, 1827,
leaving a widow and family. Considerable disputes pre-
vailed in this congregation after Mr. Elder's death. Mr. W.
D. Killen (afterwards D.D.) obtained a call to the place ;
but a number of the people, absurdly suspecting him of
Arianism, still remained dissatisfied. A second poll was
taken at his request, when he was rejected after a close
contest — 145 voting for him and 74 against him. At length
Mr. Thomas Leslie was ordained to this charge by a synodical
committee on the 29th December, 1830. He resigned the
charge on the 27th of January, 1835, and proceeded to
Jamaica as a missionary under the Scottish Missionary
Society. He died in Jamaica on the 18th August, 1835.
The next minister was Mr. Robert Love, who was ordained
here on the 21st of June, 1836. Mr. Love died on the 18th
January, 1849 ; and was succeeded by Mr. Samuel Finlay,
who was ordained here on the 12th of March, ] 850.
KILREA 1st.
This congregation originally went by the name of Tamlagh.
Mr. William Gilchrist was minister here for many years
before the Revolution of 1688. He died inDerry during the
siege. Tamlagh, Kilrea, and Bovidy formed one congrega-
tion. The charge was vacant for some time after the
Revolution. In 1697 Mr. Matthew Clerk was ordained here.
Mr. Clerk had served as an ofiicer in the Protestant army
during the civil commotions, and had received a wound at
the siege of Derry. He was an excellent scholar ; and, laying
172 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.
aside the military profession at the end of the wars, entered
the Presbyterian ministry. He was thoroughly Calvinistic
in his religious views, genial in his temper, and retained a
good deal of the martial spirit as long as he lived. In 1729
he resigned the charge of the Kilrea congregation, and,
though about seventy years of age, emigrated to America,
where he became minister of the congregation of Londondeny.
He died six years afterwards, January 25th, 1735, aged 76.
He was succeeded in Kilrea by Mr. Robert Wirling, formerly
minister of Killead, who was installed here in 1731. In
1741 the people complained to the Synod of their great
weakness and inability to support a minister. In the same
year Mr. Wirling removed to Donagheady. The next
minister was Mr. Alexander Cumine, who was ordained here
by the Presbytery of Route May 22nd, 1744. He died in
this charge November 9th, 1748 ; and was succeeded by Mr.
John Smith, who was ordained here October 31st, 1749. In
1779 the inhabitants of Bovidy prayed the Synod to be
erected into a distinct congregation, having 226 heads of
families in that quai-ter. This was opposed by Tamlagh,
Kilrea, and Desert. The Synod directed Mr. Smith to divide
his labours between the two places. A Seceding congregation
was eventually erected at Bovidy. Mr. Smith died October
2nd, 1785. The next minister was Mr. Arthur M'Mahon,
who was ordained here October 12th, 1789. Mr. M'Mahon
was an excellent scholar, and had previously been tutor in
the Londonderry family, which then was connected with the
Presbyterian Church. From Mr. M'Mahon the great Lord
Castlereagh, afterwards Premier of England, received his
classical education. Mr. M'Mahon, in October, 1 794, demitted
the charge of the Kilrea congregation, and removed to Holy-
wood. He subsequently became deeply implicated in the
treasonable proceedings of the United Irishmen, and with
difficulty escaped to France, where he is said to have entered
the military service ; and there is a tradition, we cannot say
whether true or false, that he is the same individual who, as
General Mack, acquired such distinguished reputation. He
was succeeded at Kilrea by Mr. John Smyth, who was
ordained here March 17th, 1795. In June, 1805, Mr. Smyth
prayed the Synod to remove him from Route to Ballymena
Presbytery, which was granted. Mr. Smyth died September
7th, 1821. He was succeeded by Mr. Hugh Walker Rodgers,
who was ordained here April 12th, 1825. Mr, Rodgers was
HISTORY OP CONGREGATIONS. 173
moderator of the Synod of Ulster in 1836. During his
ministry the present excellent place of worship was built.
Mr. Rodgers died in July, 1851 ; and was succeeded by his
son, Mr. James Maxwell Rodgers, who was ordained 22nd
June, 1853. Mr. Rodgers, on his removal to Derry, in
March, 1869, resigned this charge ; and was succeeded by
Mr. James Heron, formerly of Muckamore, who was installed
here on the 7th of May, 1869. On his removal to Knock in
November, 1873, Mr. Heron was succeeded by Mr. James
Stewart, who was installed here on the 27th of February,
1874.
KINGSTOWN".
This congregation was erected in 1827, and its first
minister was Mr. William Freeland. He was ordained here
on the 1st of June, 1828. In the year 1831 this congregation
obtained Begium Domvvi on the 3rd class — that is, ^£50 late
Irish currency. Mr. Freeland was disannexed from this
charge in 1838, and afterwards installed in Ballygawley.
He was succeeded by Mr. John Armstrong, who was ordained
here on the 30th of June, 1840. At the Assembly of 1859,
in consequence of the protracted ill-health of Mr. Armstrong,
his congregation obtained leave to choose an assistant and
successor ; and on the 23rd of February, 1860, Mr. Samuel
Jackson Hanson, formerly minister of Conlig, was installed
here.
KIRKCUBBIISr.
This congregation was originally part of Bally halbert or
Glastry, In 1777 the people applied to the Synod to be
erected into a congregation, but without success. Neverthe-
less they persisted, and gave a call to Mr. George Brydone,
who was ordained to this charge by the Presbytery of Lauder,
in Scotland. The Synod of Ulster in 1778 resented the
interference of the Scottish Presbytery, and addressed a
letter of remonstrance on the subject to the Moderator of the
General Assembly. Mr. Brydone and his congregation were
not received into connection with the Synod till 1783. He
died here on the 6th of September, 1817, leaving neither
widow nor family. He was succeeded by Mr. Alexander
M'Ewen, who was ordained here on the 16th of October,
1817. Mr. M'Ewen becoming infirm, demitted the charge in
1837 ; and Mr. James Rowan was ordained to succeed him
174 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.
on the 30tla of January, 1838. Mr. M'Ewen died on the 29th
of January, 1 839. In 1868 Mr. Eowan obtained leave for
the congregation to choose an assistant and successor ; and
on the 1st of June, 1869, Mr. Samuel Hawthorne was ordained
to the pastoral charge. Mr. Rowan died on the 5 th of
December, 1877.
KNOWHEAD.
The earliest notice we have of this congregation is in
connection with the ordination of Mr. Robert Huey. The
congregation was then called MufE. Mr. Huey appears to
have been the minister only for a short time. He was
ordained February 10th, 1749 ; but shortly afterwards he
resigned and went to America. He was succeeded by Mr.
Stephen Brizzle, who was ordained here October 30th, 1776.
He was deposed by the Presbytery of Derry on the 1st of
February, 1780, and died at the advanced age of 92, on the
20th of January, 1831. The next minister was Mr. James
Patton, who was ordained October 7th, 1783, and who died
in this charge on the 24th of June, 1790. He was succeeded
by Mr. Richard Dill, who was ordained here on the 9th of
December, 1793. Mr. Dill becoming infirm, Mr. John M.
Bleckley was ordained as his assistant on the 27th of June,
1848. Mr. Dill died on the 20th of November, 1850. On
the 21st of October, 1856, Mr. Bleckley resigned the charge
of the congregation and removed to Wicklow. On the 24th
of March, 1857, Mr. John Camac was ordained to the pastoral
charge.
LARNE 1st.
This is one of the oldest Presbyterian congregations in
Ireland. The first minister was Mr. George Dunbar, who
had been minister at Ayr, in Scotland, and who settled here
about 1620. He was deposed by the Bishop of Down and
Connor in 1636, when he removed to Scotland, and died
minister of Calder in 1638. On the fall of Prelacy, this
congregation was speedily settled with a minister. Mr.
Thomas Hall was ordained to this charge in 1646. He was
subsequently obliged to make his escape to Scotland to avoid
the persecution of the Republicans then in power, but returned
to his people before 1660. He was deposed by Bishop Jeremy
HISTOKY OF CONGREGATIONS. 175
Taylor immediately after tlie Restoration; but he continued
privately to minister to his people amidst many outward
discouragements. In March, 1674, Mr. Adair, the author of
the celebrated Narrative of the early settlement of our
Church in this country, visited Larne by appointment of
Presbytery, and reported that " he found the people con-
siderably in ari'ear with their minister, almost to the half of
what was promised him, for these four years past." Mr.
Hugh Porter, an elder, promised that they would be inore
punctual. Mr. Hall died in 1695, aged 75. Mr. William
Leech was called to Larne in 1697 ; but his career here was
short. He was succeeded by Mr. William Ogilvie, who was
ordained here on the 5th of November, 1700. He died on
the 12th of September, 1712. During the disputes which
arose after his death the congregation was divided into two
parts, which have ever since remained separate. One part
chose Mr. James Hood as their minister, and subsequently
joined the non- subscribing Presbytery of Antrim ; the other
chose for their minister Mr. Samuel Getty, who was ordained
here on the same day as Mr. Hood — that is, on the 15th of
June, 1715. Mr. Getty was the ancestor of John Getty,
Esq., of Beechpark, Belfast, who lately bequeathed his large
property to the Irish General Assembly. Mr. Getty died
here on the 27th of February, 1724; and was succeeded by
Mr. William Thompson, who was ordained here by the
Presbytery of Templepatrick on the 7th of June, 1726. Mr.
Thompson died in this charge on the 13th of May, 1763.
He was succeeded by Mr. Isaac Cowan, who was ordained
here on the 20th of August, 1765. He died on the 2nd of
March, 1787, leaving a widow and family. The next minister
was Mr, Robert Thompson, who was ordained here on the
9th of June, 1789. He died in this charge about the middle
of August, 1814 ; and was succeeded by Mi-. James Cochx-ane,
who was ordained here on the 22nd of December, 1815. On
the 7th of May following he was suspended by the Synod
for immorality; but in 1817 he was restored. In 1823 he
was again suspended, and finally on the 22nd of June, 1824,
he was suspended sine die, and disannexed from the congrega-
tion. The next minister was Mr. Joseph Shaw, formerly
minister of Portglenone, who was installed here on the 4th
of January, 1825. He died in this charge, at the early age
of 29, on the 13th of August, 1830. He was succeeded by
Mr. Henry William Molyneux (afterwards D.D.), who was
176 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.
ordained here on the 9th of June, 1831. Dr. Molyneux died
on the 23rd of August, 1871 ; and was succeeded by Mr. J.
Brady Meek, who was installed here in the summer of 1872.
LETTERKENNY 1st.
The first minister here was Mr. William Semple, who was
ordained in 1647, and died in this charge October 1 9th,
1674. The next minister was Mr. William Liston. About
the time of the arrival of King William in Ireland, after the
Revolution, some of the Presbyterians of the North of
Ireland appear to have imagined that their system of
ecclesiastical polity was about to be established by law in the
country, as it had been in Scotland ; and, in two or three
places, they proceeded, rather prematurely, to take possession
of the parish churches. Mr. Liston is said to have preached
for two or three Lord's days in the Episcopal church of
Letterkenny, and in some other Episcopal churches in the
neighbourhood ; but the Synod of Ulster, which met in
Belfast July 3rd, 1690 — only three days after the battle of
the Boyne — required him not to repeat such conduct. He
died in June, 1695. The next minister was Mr. Samuel
Dunlop, who was ordained here August 13th, 1707. He died
August 30th, 1762, leaving a widow ; and was succeeded by
Mr. Joseph Lyttle, who was ordained here April 20th, 1763.
Becoming infirm, his nephew, Mr. Josejih Lyttle, jun., was
ordained his assistant and successor May 31st, 1803. Mr.
Lyttle, sen., died January 7th, 1805, leaving no family. Mr.
Joseph Lyttle, secundus, becoming infirm, Mr. Moses
Houston, who had been minister of Fannet, was installed his
assistant and successor on the 6th of April, 1841. In 1847
Mr. Houston was set aside on a charge of immorality ; and
on the 27th December, 1848, the Eev. John Kinnear (now
D.D.) was ordained to the pastoral charge. Mr. Lyttle died
on the 19th December, 1852.
LIMAYADT 2nd.*
Mr. David Wilson was ordained here by the Presbytery
of Route, August 18th, 1696. He died in this charge
June 23rd, 1715. In 1718 William Connolly, Esq., wrote to
* What is now 1st Limavady was originally one of tiie earliest settle-
ments of the Seceders in Ireland.
HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 177
the Synod on behalf of Mr. John Hillhouse, a probationer,
recommending him as the minister ; but he went to America.
At last they obtained as minister Mr. William Conyngham,
who was ordained here February 3rd, 1 720. He died in this
charge 1740. After his death there was much contention in
the congregation. Mr. Joseph Osborne was ordained here
by the Presbytery of Antrim ; but many of the people were
dissatisfied, and refi],sed to join his ministry. The mal-
contents were erected into the congregation of Drumachose,
and Mr. Henry Areskine, or Erskine, was ordained as their
minister by the Presbytery of Derry, May 4th, 1742. After
living in a state of constant bickering with his co-presbyters,
and being charged with several immoralities, he demitted
his charge in October, 1761. He was succeeded by Mr.
Jacob Davis, who was ordained here by the Presbytery of
Eoute, April 26th, 1763. He died December 30th, 1786,
leaving a widow. The next minister was Mr. Daniel Blair,
who was ordained here in the end of May, 1788. He died on
the 10th of February, 1811, leaving a widow and family ; and
was succeeded by Mr. Richard Dill, formerly minister of
Buckna, who was installed here March 10th, 1812. He
resigned this charge January 28th, 1823, and removed to the
adjoining congregation of Bally kelly. Their next minister
was Mr. John M'Laughlin, Avho was ordained here September
28th, 1824. Mr. M'Laughlin died suddenly on the 3rd of
November, 1831, leaving neither widow nor family. He was
succeeded by Mr. George Steen, who was ordained here by
the Presbytery of Eoute on the 12th of March, 1833. In
Mr. Steen's time a meeting-house was built in the town of
Limavady, when he was called to the charge of the new
congregation, resigning that of Drumachose. Becoming
infirm, Mr. Steen obtained as his assistant the Rev. Robert
Henry, who was installed here on the 30th of November,
1882.
LIMERICK.
It is probable that some members of the Church of Scot-
land settled in Limerick as early as the times of James I. or
Charles I., but we have now no record to illustrate their
history. The first minister of the congregation of whom we
find mention was Mr. Squire, but of him we know nothing
more than the name. Soon after the Revolution, the people
L
178 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.
rented the chapel of the old Augustinian Nunnery in Peter's
Cell. (See History, Topography, and Antiquities of Limerick,
II. 663). About that time the Eev. William Bigger was
their minister. In 1698 Mr. Bigger was invited by some
Presbyterians in Galway to preach occasionally and administer
ordinances to them ; but he was aj)prehended, brought before
the Mayor, and committed to prison. He was soon liberated,
but the case created much excitement. Mr. Bigger is said
to have removed afterwards to Drogheda. He was succeeded
by Mr. S. Smith, who was a high Calvinist. His successor
was Dr. Labun, a minister probably of French extraction.
He was succeeded by Mr. Wallace and Mr. Seawright. In
1776 the people erected a meeting-house in Peter Street, and
built a house for the minister, at the expense of d£500.
Since the commencement of the present century the congre-
gation has received an accession of numbers and wealth by
the settlement of several Scotch merchants in the city, and
since then the present commodious edifice of hewn stone in
Glentworth Street has been built. Mr. Seawright was suc-
ceeded by Mr. John Pinkerton, who was followed by Mr.
Dickie and Mr. Nelson. In January, 1837, Mr. M'Corkle, a
licentiate of the Church of Scotland, was settled as the
pastor. Mr. M'Corkle returned to Scotland ; and, towai'ds
the close of the year 1844, Mr. David Wilson (now D.D.),
who had previously been ordained at Carnmoney, removed to
Limerick. The Presbytery of Munster, to which the con-
gregation belonged, was at this time a separate body ; but in
1854 it became incorporated with the Irish General Assembly.
The Eev. Dr. Wilson, the present minister of Limerick, has
been twice Moderator of the Assembly.
LISBUEN 1st.
The first minister of this congregation cannot now be
ascertained. At a meeting of Presbytery held at Ballyclare,
on the 6th of April, 1687, Messrs. William Livingston and
John M'Kneight appeared as commissioners from Lisbum,
and " sought supply of ordained ministers in order to their
being j)lanted with a Gospel minister." In November
folloAving the peoj^le presented a call to Mr. Alexander
M'Cracken, who had been licensed by the Presbytery in 1684,
and who was ordained to the pastoral charge of the congrega-
tion on 3rd July, 1688. Mr. Patrick Adair, of Belfast,
HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 179
presided on the occasion, and preached from 1 Cor. iv. 1, 2.
Mr. M'Cracken had the promise of d£40 yearly of stipend.
In 1707 the town of Lisburn was destroyed by a great fire,
which consumed both the Episcoj)al church and the Presby-
terian meeting-house. The fire broke out on Sunday, the
20th of April, a little before twelve o'clock. The meeting-
house was rebuilt, at an expense of about =£400. The edifice
destroyed was valued at d6500. Mr. M'Cracken had scruples
about the oath of abjuration,* and was, in consequence of his
refusal to take it, more than once brought into trouble. He
was a loyal subject, and a staunch supporter of the house of
Hanover ; but he objected to some parts of the phraseology
of the oath, and the High Church party most ungenerously
took advantage of his scrupulosity to give him annoyance.
He died in November, 1730 ; and was succeeded by Mr.
Gilbert Kennedy, who was ordained to the pastoral charge
June 7th, 1732. Mr. Kennedy soon afterwards removed to
Killyleagh ; and was succeeded as minister of Lisbum by
Mr. William Patton, who had been minister of Ervey and
Carrickmaclim, and who was installed here July 7th, 1736,
During his ministry the Seceders made their appearance in
the North of Ireland, and some of their earliest adherents
had at one time belonged to the congregation over which he
presided. Those who joined the new-comers eventually
established the congregation of Hillhall. Mr. Patton removed
to Plunket Street congregation, Dublin, in August, 1745;
and was succeeded in Lisburn by Mr. Patrick Buchanan, who
was ordained to the pastoral charge July 29th, 1747. Mr.
Buchanan died in November, 1 763 ; and was succeeded by
Mr. James Bryson, who was ordained June 7th, 1764.
Mr. Bryson removed to the 2nd congregation of Belfast
in 1773; and was succeeded in Lisburn by Mr. George
Kennedy, who was ordained February 15th, 1775. Mr.
Kennedy's pastorate was short, as he died in April, 1779.
He was succeeded by Mr. William Bruce, who was ordained
here by the Presbytery of Bangor on the 4th of November,
1779. Mr. Bruce removed, first to Strand Street congrega-
tion, Dublin, and finally to the 1st congregation, Belfast.
Dr. Bruce, when in Belfast, was president of the Academy,
and a member of the Presbytery of Antrim. He was suc-
* The oath of abjuration was understood to imply that the Pretender
was not the son of James II., so that, on this ground, many scrupled to
take it.
180 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIOlSrS.
ceedecl in Lisburn by Mr. Andrew Craig, wlio had formerly
been minister of Moira, and who was installed in Lisburn in
1783. Becoming infirm, Mr. James Morgan (afterwards Dr.
Morgan), who had formerly been minister of Carlow, was
installed as his assistant June 23rd, 1824. Mr. Morgan
resigned the charge on receiving a call from Fisherwick
Place congregation, Belfast ; and was succeeded by Mr.
Alexander Henderson, who was ordained on the 29th of June,
1829. Mr. Henderson, on receiving ?.n appointment as
military chaplain, resigned this charge on the 4th of
December, 1855 ; and was succeeded by Mr. William Breakey,
who was installed here on the 3rd of September, 1856. Mr.
Breakey died on the 6th of Aj^ril, 1872 ; and was succeeded
by Mr. John L. Eentoul, who wa'S ordained here on the 17th
of October, 1872.
LISLOONEY.
This congregation was originally connected with Minter-
bui'n under the name of Kinnaird. It was erected into a
separate charge in 1714; but it did not obtain a minister
until some time afterwards. At length Mr. Samuel Irvine
was ordained here by the Clogher Presbytery on the 1st of
October, 1718. He died in this charge October 6th, 1729 ;
and was succeeded by Mr. William Ambrose, who was
ordained as minister of Kinnaird on the 2nd of August,
1732. He died in this charge on the 29th of December,
1765, leaving a family. He was succeeded by Mr. George
Harris, who was ordained here on the 2nd of August, 1768.
Mr. Harris died on the 15th of February, 1785; and was
succeeded by Mr. James M'Adani, who was ordained on the
14th of March, 1787. He was deposed July 10th, 1788 ; and
was succeeded by Mr. Joseph Lawson, who was ordained on
the 15th of August, 1789. He removed to Killeshandra in
June, 1796. Their next minister was Mr. James Gribson,
who was ordained here on the 5th of August, 1801. In 1834
Mr. Gibson resigned the charge through infirmity ; and was
succeeded by Mr. Robert P. Borland, who was ordained on
the 22nd of September, 1836. Mr. Gibson long survived
his resignation, as he died in December, 1866. Mr. Borland
died on the 26th of July, 1862. He was succeeded by Mr.
James Carson, who was ordained here on the 24th of June,
1863. Mr. Carson resigned the charge of the congregation
HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 181
on the 20tli of March, 1866, and removed to Waterford.
The next minister, Mr. Edward F. Simpson, was ordained
here on the 26th of September, 1866. Mr. Simpson, on his
removal to Ballymena, was succeeded by Mr. Thomas Irvine,
who was ordained here on the 81st of January, 1877.
LISSARA.
The Seceders made their appearance in Ireland upwards
of 140 years ago. In 1775 a small place of worship was
erected at Lissara, and not long afterwards Mr. John
Sturgeon was ordained by the Associate Seceding Presbytery
of Down as minister of the united congregation of Lissara
and Ballynahinch. Mr. Sturgeon remained pastor of Lissara
and Ballynahinch till his death. About the time of his
death these places were erected into separate charges, and
early in the year 1796 Mr. John Eeid was ordained as the
Seceding minister of Lissara. Mr. Eeid's j^astorate here was
short, amounting only to five years. He removed to Drum-
banagher in 1801. He was succeeded by Mr. Denham, who
was a medical jjractitioner as well as a preacher ; and, in
consequence of his intemj)erate habits, he was soon obliged
to give up the ministry. He was succeeded by Mr. Joseph
Lowry, who was ordained here on the 25tli of April, 1809.
His ministry in Lissara was long. He died here on the 21st
of July, 1858, in the 82nd year of his age. Mr. Lowry gave
instruction in classics at his own residence ; and some of the
present ministers of the General Assembly received their
education from him. He was succeeded as minister of
Lissara by Mr. John Gibson Thomson, who was ordained
here on the 21st of December, 1858.
LONDONDERRY 1st.
The Presbyterians early obtained a settlement in London-
derry — but we know little of their state there immediately
after the massaci'e of 1641. In May, 1644, the Covenant
was solemnly administered in the Cathedral to great multi-
tudes by Messrs. Weir and Adair from Scotland ; and the
sacrament was disj^ensed afterwards in the same place — the
altar being removed. The first minister — whose name has
not been ascertained — was soon subsequently settled here,
and was deposed in 1661, Severe measures for a time were
182 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.
now employed to the great discomfort of Presbyterian
ministers. We find the congregation vacant in 1670.
Wodrow relates how they then called Mr. Alexander
Moncrief, formerly minister of Scoonie, Fifeshire, but he
declined the call. In January, 1672, they presented a call by
their commissioners, Alderman Craigie and Mr. Reilly, to
the Presbytery of Route, for Mr. Thomas Fulton, one of their
ministers, but the Presbytery would not permit him to
remove. In the end of the same year, however, they at last
obtained a settled pastor in Mr. Robert Rule, formerly
minister of Stirling, and brother of the celebrated Gilbert
Rule. He continued unmolested in this charge till 1688,
when he fled to Scotland and never returned. In September,
1688, they called Mr. Henry, of Carrickfergus, but he did
not remove. Mr. Robert Craighead was now settled here.
He was removed from Donaghmore in 1690. During his
ministry the congregation revived greatly. We now find
attending Presbytery as elders Aldermen H. Long, W. Smith,
Lecky, Lennox, and Horace Kennedy. In 1696 they had a
dispute with Burt about the boundaries of their congx-ega-
tions. The people of Elagh, Corquin, and Ballynegallagh
refusing to join with Derry, the Presbytery determined the
congregation to be limited by the liberties of the city on that
side. Mr. Craighead growing infirm, the congregation
called his son, Mr. Robert Craighead, in 1709 — they
promised d£70 to the old man and =£40 to the young — but
the call was not accepted. They afterwards called Mr. James
Bi'uce, of Killyleagh, but the Synod opposed the removal.
Mr. Craighead, sen., died on the 22nd of August, 1711. In
1712 they called Mr. Abernethy, of Antrim, but this the
Synod also opposed. They at length succeeded in obtaining
Mr. James Blair, of Moira, who was installed here on the
2nd of June, 1713. He died January 21st, 1716. Being
again vacant, they once more called Mr. Craighead, now of
Capel Street, Dublin, but the Synod again prevented his
removal. The next minister was Mr. Samuel Ross, who was
ordained here on the 13th of February, 1718. He died in
this charge on the 26th of October, 1736. At his death the
congregation disputed respecting a successor, part being for
Mr. David Harvey, minister of Griendermot, and Mr. Hair, a
probationer, as colleague ; and part complained that they
were overlooked in this choice. The former sent to the
Synod in 1737, as their commissioners, Messrs. Davis and
HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 183
Cross — the latter, Messrs. Moore, Ewing, and Marshall ; but,
on a conference, both parties agreed to acquiesce in Mr.
Harvey's call, " on condition that their right of electing a
colleague to him should be preserved, and a maintenance of
d640 per annum secured to such colleague." Mr. David
Harvey was accordingly soon afterwards installed here ; and
in 1738 they supplicated for supply of probationers to assist
their pastor. They soon obtained as colleague Mr. John
Hood, who was ordained here on the 10th of June, 1742.
Mr. Hood died June 21st, 1774, leaving a widow and family.
They gave a call to Mr. Campbell, of Armagh, in November,
1774, but without effect. In 1775 Mr. David Young,
formerly minister at Enniskillen, removed to this congrega-
tion, Mr. Harvey demitted his charge here in November,
1783; and Mr. Eobert Black (afterwards D.D.), formerly
minister at Dromore, was installed in his room, * as colleague
to Mr. Young, on the 2nd Tuesday of January, 1784. Mr.
Harvey died in April, 1794. In 1803 the Presbytery
reported to the Synod that they had suspended Dr. Young
sme die. He was succeeded by Mr. Ceorge Hay, who was
ordained here as colleague to Dr. Black on the 18th of June,
1805. Dr. Black died, under melancholy circumstances, on
the 4th of December, 1817, leaving a widow and family ; and
his place was filled by Mr. John Mitchell, formerly minister
of Dungiven, who was installed here in August, 1819. On
the 27th of August, 1823, Mr. Mitchell resigned ; and was
succeeded by Mr. William M'Clure, who was ordained here
on the 1st of March, 1825, as colleague to Mr. Hay. Mr.
Young died about May, 1827. Mr. Hay died June 10th,
1837 ; and was succeeded by the Rev. Henry Wallace,
formerly of Cork, who was installed here on the 7th of
September, 1837, as colleague to Mr. M'Clure. It was
arranged that the collegiate charge should cease on the death
or translation of either of these ministers. Mr. Wallace, on
his appointment as Professor of Christian Ethics in Belfast
Presbyterian College, resigned this charge on the 6th of
November, 1867 ; and about the same time Mr. M'Clure
asked leave for the congregation to choose an assistant and
successor. On the 21st of May, 1857, Mr. Richard Smyth
had meanwhile been installed as an assistant here ; but, on
* Dr. Black, for many years, was the acknowledged leader of the
Synod of Ulster. He was very lax in his theology ; but he was gifted
with commanding eloquence.
184 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.
his appointment to a Professorship in Derry College, he
resigned the charge on the 6th of September, 1865. On the
18th of March, 1869, Mr. Andrew C. Murphy was installed
here. Mr. M'Clure died on the 22nd of February, 1874.
On the 15th of December, 1879, Mr. Murphy resigned this
charge on his removal to Dublin ; and was succeeded by Mr.
James Cargin, formerly of Dublin, who was installed here on
the 27th of January, 1881.
LONDOKDEEEY 3rd.
This congregation was established in 1834, and its first
minister was the Eev. James Denham, who had before been
minister of Brigh. He was installed here on the 4th of May,
1837. Mr. Denham (afterwards D.D.) was one of the most
acceptable ministers of his day ; and under him the con-
gregation greatly flourished. On the 18th of October, 1870,
Dr. Denham resigned the pastoral charge, and died on the
18th of December, 1871. Meanwhile Mr. James Maxwell
Eodgers, formerly minister of 1st Kilrea (and Moderator of
the General Assembly in 1885), had been elected his assistant
and successor, and was installed here on the 18th of March,
1869. This congregation is now one of the largest con-
tributors to our Sustentation Fund — its donation for the
past year (1885) amounting to d8400.
LONGFOED.
This congi-egation was erected in 1833, and the first
minister was Mr. Samuel M'Cutcheon, who was ordained here
by the Presbytery of Monaghan on the 3rd of June, 1834.
Mr. M'Cutcheon died on the 23rd of December, 1875 ; and was
succeeded by Mr. Alexander Eentoul, who was installed here
by the Athlone Presbytery on the 11th of May, 1877. On
the 5th of April, 1881, Mr. Eentoul, on the eve of his
removal to Dublin, resigned this charge ; and was succeeded
by Mr. Alfred H. Eentoul, who was ordained here on the
2lst of May, 1882.
LOUGHBEICKLAND.
The name of the first minister of this congregation cannot
now be ascertained. It was vacant in August, 1687, and
HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 185
shortly afterwards Mr. Jolin Mairs was ordained here. In
June, 1697, lie was removed to Longford. The next minister
was Mr. George Lang, son of the minister of Newiy, who
was ordained here April 15th, 1701. Mr. Lang died May
29th, 1741. The next minister was Mr. Charles M'Collum,
who was ordained here by the Presbytery of Dromore on the
6th of March, 1744. He removed to Capel Street, Dublin,
in the end of the same year. The next minister was Mr.
Timothy White, who had been minister at Ballyeaston, and
who removed here in 1749. On the 12th of September of
that year he was installed here by the Presbytery of Dromore.
He died June 5th, 1756 ; and was succeeded by Mr. John
Smith, who was oi*dained here on the 31st of October, 1757.
He died May 27th, 1804, leaving a widow and family. The
next minister was Mr. Hugh M'Alister, who was ordained
here on the 11th of December, 1804. He died in this charge
on the 10th of February, 1824, leaving neither widow nor
family. The next minister was Mr. Robert Little, who was
ordained here on the 28th of September, 1824. Mr. Little
died on the 20th of January, 1841 ; and was succeeded by
Mr. William Edmund Breakey, who was ordained here by
the Presbytery of Banbridge on the 22nd of March, 1842.
On the 4th of August, 1856, Mr. Breakey resigned the
charge, and removed to Lisburn ; and was succeeded by Mr.
Robert Crawford, who was ordained here on the 31st of
March, 1857. On the 11th of January, 1869, Mr. Crawford
resigned the charge, and removed to Sinclair Seaman's
Church, Belfast ; and he was succeeded by Mr. Alexander
Buchanan, who was ordained here on the 30th of March,
1869.
LOUGHGALL.
This congregation was established in the early part of the
last century. In 1711 it applied to the Synod of Ulster for
aid to enable it to support a minister, and £\5 per annum
was granted to it out of the General Fund. Mr. Hugh
Wallace appears to have been the first minister. He was
ordained here on the 10th of October, 1712. He resigned
this charge and was installed in Castledawson in 1720. He
was succeeded by Mr. James Orr, who was ordained here on
the 30th of May, 1722. He died here on the 10th of April,
1755. The next minister was Mr. Robei-t Peebles, who was
ordained here on the 26th of June, 1758. He died July
186 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. •
31st, 1761 ; and was succeeded by Mr. Moses Hogg, who was
ordained here on the 25th of August, 1762. Mr. Hogg died
here on the 23rd of November, 1802, leaving a widow and
son. His son, Mr. Robert Hogg, succeeded him, and was
ordained here on the 16th of March, 1803. He died in this
charge on the 19th of January, 1830,* leaving neither widow
nor family. The next minister was Mr. William Henry, who
was ordained here on the 22nd of December, 1830. Mr.
Henry died on the 20th of January, 1880. Mr. Henry had
long before obtained an assistant in Mr. Edward Kimmit,
who was installed here on the 19th of June, 1861. On the
25th of May, 1880, on his removal to Clonakilty, Mr.
Kimmit resigned this charge ; and was succeeded by Mr.
William Smyth, formerly of Roscommon, who was installed
here on the 11th of November, 1880.
LURGAN 1st.
The earliest account we have of this congregation is in
1684, when we find it about to be planted. In 1686 Mr.
Hugh Kirkpatrick was minister here. He retired to Scot-
land at the time of the Revolution, and became minister of
a parish there. His successor was Mr. William Squire, who
was settled here about 1694. In 1699 it is reported to the
Synod that " he is wholly gone and continueth in England,"
so that the congregation was considered vacant. The next
minister was Mr. James Fleming, who was ordained here by
the Presbytery of Armagh, January 18th, 1704. It was still
a very weak settlement, and in 1706 we find the sub- Synods
of Belfast and Monaghan paying =£20 to assist it in support-
ing a minister. In August, 1718, they obtained a lease of a
plot of ground, on which they erected a meeting-house. In
1719, Mr. Fleming received a call from the 1st congregation
of Belfast. His removal was opposed by his congregation,
and their commissioners to the Synod were Miles Reilly,
John M'Call, and others. Mr. Brownlow, the landlord, seems
to have thought highly of Mr. Fleming — for he wrote a letter
to the Moderator of the Synod, earnestly pleading for his
continuance in Lurgan. The Synod resolved that he should
not be removed ; and, in a letter to Mr. Brownlow, thanked
him for the kindness which he had shown to Mr. Fleming.
This minister died in this charge August 16th, 1730. He
* Mr. Hogg was assistant astronomer in the Armagh Observatory.
HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 187
was succeeded by Mr. John Menogh, formerly minister at
Maglierally, who was settled here in 1732. He died December
20th, 1771, leaving a widow and family, and was succeeded
by Mr. Robert Rentoul, who had been ordained by a Scottish
Presbytery in 1772, and who was installed by the Presbytery
of Dromore, September 26th, 1773. He removed to Bally-
kelly in 1779, and was succeeded by Mr. William Magee, who
was ordained here September 12th, 1780, and died July 9th,
1800. The widow of this minister inherited great wealth
from brothers in India, and bequeathed, at her death in 1846,
about d860,000 to the Irish Presbyterian Church, including
■£20,000 for the establishment of a Presbyterian College.
Mr. Magee was succeeded in Lurgan by Mr. Hamilton
Dobbin, formerly minister of Moira, who was installed here
January 26th, 1802. Mr. Dobbin having become infirm, Mr.
Thomas Millar was installed as his assistant and successor,
on the 1st of October, 1844. Mr. Dobbin died on the 20th
of October, 1851, and Mr. Millar was killed by a railway
accident in May, 1858. Mr. Lowry E. Berkely, formerly
minister of Faughanvale, was installed here on the 21st of
September, 1858. On his appointment as convener of the
Sustentation Fund in 1878, Mr. Berkely resigned this charge;
and was succeeded by Mr. John M'llveen, formerly of Bally-
nahinch, who was installed here on the 19th of March, 1879.
On his removal to Linen Hall Street congregation, Belfast,
Mr. M'llveen resigned this charge ; and was succeeded by Mr.
Thomas M. Hamill, who was installed here on the 4th of
March, 1884.
MACOSQUm.
There was a settled minister here as early as 1670, but
his name cannot now be exactly ascertained. Mr. John
Laurie or Lowry, was minister here in 1688 ; and it would
appear that he had three predecessors whose names were
Boyd, Wilson, and Elliot. During the troubles of the Eevo-
lution Mr. Laurie retired to Scotland, and does not appear to
have returned. In the meantime the people supplicated to
be placed under the pastoral care of Mr. Boyd, of Aghadoey.
This arrangement continued for some time ; but they at
length obtained the services of Mr. James Stuart, who had
come from Scotland in 1701 as an ordained minister, and
who was installed here by the Presbytery of Route on the
19th of August of that year. In March, 1706 he was sus-
188 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.
pended for various offences apparently proceeding from
imprudence and ill temper : but the suspension was removed
by the Synod following. The congregation, notwithstanding,
remained dissatisfied; and in 1708 he demitted the charge
and retired to Cushendall. He was succeeded by Mr. William
Boyd, who was ordpined here on the 31st of January, 1710.
In 1725 he resigned this charge and removed to the old con-
gregation of Taughboyne. His successor was Mr. John
Thompson, who was ordained here on the 21st December,
1727. In early life Mr. Thompson obtained a commission in
the army, but coming under deep religious impressions, he
withdrew from the military profession and entered the Pres-
byterian ministry. His wife was the daughter of Stephen
Ash, the descendant of Captain Thomas Ash, one of the
heroes of the siege of Derry. Mr. Thompson died in this
charge on the 7th of June, 1771, leaving a widow and
family.* Mr. Thompson was succeeded by Mr. Robert
Caldwell, who was ordained here September 1st, 1772, and
demitted this charge in 1781. Mr. Caldwell was afterwards
settled at Moville. The next minister was Mr. James
M'Farlane, who was ordained here on the 1st of August,
1783. He died April 4th, 1816, leaving a widow and family,
and was succeeded by Mr. John Patterson, who was ordained
here on the 2nd September, 1817. On the 10th of September,
1822, he was suspended for intemperance. The next minister
was Mr. Clarke Houston (afterwai-ds D.D.), whowas ordained
here on the 30th of September, 1823. Dr. Houston died
on the 23rd February, 1866, and was succeeded by Mr.
Samuel Robinson, who was ordained here on the 28th of
March, 1867. Mr. Robinson, having received a call from
California, resigned this charge on the 1st of April, 1873 ;
and was succeeded by Mr. John C. Huston, who was installed
here on the 8th of July, 1873. Mr. Huston died on the 2nd
of March, 1881 ; and was succeeded by Mr. Frederic Torrens,
who was ordained here on the 8th of September, 1881.
MAGHERA.
It would appear that Mr. James Kilpatrick officiated as
minister of Maghera for upwards of twenty years prior to
the Revolution. In 1690 the people were without a minister.
* The Rev. E. Thompson Martin, late of Dundonald, is one of his
descendants.
HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 189
We find them noticed in the following minute as supplicatincr
for a pastor : — " Appeared from Maghera, Kilnonaglian, and
several other places thereabout, Matthew Lorinan, James
Garvan, Jo. Vernar, and Daniel Cairns, supplicating that, in
consideration of their desolate condition as to the want of
Gospel ordinances, and that they can give sufficient security
for i25 per annum, heing very hopeful it may grow to more
after better planting, the four of whom will give security to
the meeting of Tyrone for the same, they having already built
a meeting-house, and they further promising here before the
Synod to pay up to Mr. Abernethy whatever any of the said
people shall be found due to him — that the Synod Avould be
pleased to advise and concur with them as to their being
planted with a minister." The Synod considering this affair
and finding that Mr. James Eamsay had formerly a call from
a i^art of the same people, and had passed all his trials upon
the matter till something fell in that hindered his settlement,
they then go on to appoint Mr. Eamsay to supply them for
some Sabbaths in order to a call ; Mr. Eamsay, however,
refusing to settle thei-e, the people called Mr. John Tomb of
the Eoute Presbytery, who is advised to go, in the first place,
to Scotland for laureation. This being done, he is settled
here in 1696. He was succeeded by Mr. Archibald Boyd,
who was ordained here by the Presbytery of Tyrone on the
28th of October, 1703. He was set aside'in 1716. The next
minister was Mr. James Dykes, who was ordained here on
the 25th of May, 1720. He died in this charge on the 19th
December, 1734. The people then gave a call to Mr. Eobert
Knox, a probationer under the care of the Presbytery of
Eoute, but he died after having passed through second trials,
previous to his ordination. The next minister was Mr. David
Smylie, who had been ordained by the Presbytery of Eoute
in Finvoy, and who removed here in the end of the year 1739.
Mr. Smylie becoming infirm, Mr. John Glendy was ordained
here by the Presbytery of Eoute in December, 1778. Mr.
Smylie died August 1st, 1780, leaving a family. It was re-
poi'ted to the Synod in 1798 that '' Mr. Glendy, being charged
with seditious practices, was permitted by Colonel Leith to
transport himself and property to America."* After much
disputing Mr. Charles Kennedy was ordained here on the 29th
* Mr. Glendy subsequently became rather a distinguished minister
in the Presbyterian Church of the United States. \Ylien minister of
Maghera, Henry Cooke (afterwards D.D., LL.D.)was baptized by him.
190 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.
of July, 1801. Mr. Kennedy becoming infirm, Mr. Smylie
Robson was ordained his assistant and successor on the 16th
of June, 1843. On the 20th of February of the following
year Mr. Robson resigned the charge and became a missionary
to the Jews. He was succeeded by Mr. Thomas Witherow, who
was ordained here on the 1st of October, 1845. Mr. Kennedy
died on the 8th of February, 1855. Mr. Witherow (now D.D.)
having been appointed Professor of Church History in Magee
College in 1865, resigned this charge, and was succeeded by
Mr. Matthew Leitch, who was ordained to the pastoral charge
on the 2nd of October, 1866. Mr. Leitch, on his appoint-
ment as Professor of Biblical Criticism in Belfast Presby-
terian College in 1879, was succeeded by Mr. Robert H. F.
Dickey, who was ordained here on the 26th of January, 1880.
MAGHERAFELT 1st.
This congregation originally formed part of Moneymore.
There was an attempt made to have it erected into a separate
charge as early as 1692. This, however, did not succeed. It
was then annexed to Castledawson, and continued thus for
many years. At length in 1737 Messrs. Robert Rainey and
William Johnson appeared as Commissioners before the
Synod, and stated that Magherafelt, being a large town in
which there were 56 families of Dissenters, they ought to
have a place of worship and not be obliged to travel two
miles to Castledawson. The Synod of Ulster, however, still
continued it in connexion with Castledawson ; but allowed
them half of the services of the minister of Castledawson.
In 1738, however, differences between this congregation and
that of Castledawson continued, and the Synod erected it
into a separate charge, appointing Mr. Wallace, who had
previously preached in Castledawson, as the minister, and
adding 50 families to it which formerly belonged to Money-
more. This handing over of families from one congregation
to another by Synodical authority would now be considered
a very strange procedure. Mr. Wallace died in this charge
on the 10th of March, 1761. He was succeeded by Mr.
William Wilson, who was ordained here on the 19th of
November, 1765. In 1785 he removed to Usher's Quay,
Dublin. He was succeeded by Mr. George Dugald, who was
ordained on the 30th of May, 1786. He died in this charge
on the 9th of December, 1810, leaving a widow and family.
HISTOEY OF CONGREGATIONS. 191
The next minister was Mr. James Wilson, who was ordained
here on the 24th of September, 1813. Mr. Wilson died on
the 10th of June, 1854. The next minister was Mr. Alexan-
der Montgomery, who was installed here on the 20th of
September, 1854.
MAGHEEALLY.
The first minister of this congi-egation was Mr. Andrew
Maccormick. He was here in 1656, and was known to Living-
ston at that date. He was deposed in 1660, and, flying to
Scotland, was killed at the battle of Pentland Hills in 1666.
His successor was Mr. John Hunter. He was here in 1672,
but fled to Scotland at the Eevolution of 1688, and never
returned. He was minister of Ayr and Alloway from 1690
to 1696. The next minister was Mr. James Heron, ordained
here November 1st, 1693. He died in the beginning of the
year 1699. His successor was Mi-. Samuel Young, who was
ordained by the Presbytery of Armagh, February 16th, 1704.
He resigned the charge here and went to America in 1718.
He was succeeded by Mr. John Menogh, who settled here
about 1722. He removed to Lurgan in 1733. The next
minister was Mr. James Moody, who was ordained here by
the Presbytery of Armagh, May 28th, 1734. In 1740, Mr.
Moody removed to Newry, and was succeeded by Mr. William
Thompson, who was ordained here by the Presbytery of
Armagh, October 20th, 1742, and died November 8th, 1756.
The next minister was Mr. Isaac Patrick, who was ordained
here June 22nd, 1758. Becoming infirm, Mr. Alexander Patter-
son, formerly minister of Drumbanagher, was installed as his
assistant and successor, November 12th, 1805. Mr. Patrick
died in October, 1814, leaving a widow and family. When
Mr. Patterson became infirm, Mr. Samuel Marcus Dill
(afterwards Professor of Divinity in Magee College) was
ordained as his assistant on the 7th of April, 1835. Mr.
Dill resigned this charge September 5th, 1837, and removed
to Hillsborough. He was succeeded by Mr. Thomas Boyd,
who was installed here by the Presbytery of Dromore, March
27th, 1839. Mr. Boyd resigned this charge June 3rd, 1839,
and removed to Castleblayney. He was succeeded by Mr.
James Thompson (formerly of Bally nahinch), who was in-
stalled here February 26, 1840. Mr. Patterson died 9th
April, 1845. Mr. Thompson becoming infirm, Mr. J. D.
Martin was ordained here on the 20th of March, 1883. Mr.
Thompson died on the 27th of October of the same year.
192 HISTORY OP CONGREGATIONS.
MAGILLIGAK
In the year 1812 the inhabitants of this district supplicated
to be erected by the Synod of Ulster into a separate congre-
gation. This request was granted in the following year.
The first minister was Mr. Samuel Butler, who was ordained
here on the 15th of September, 1814. * Becoming infirm, his
nephew, Mr. Hugh M'Intyre Butler, was ordained as his
assistant and successor on the 16th of December, 1851. Mr.
Butler, sen., died on the 9th of January, 1862.
M AGUIEE SBEIDaE.
In the year 1820 the inhabitants of this place belonging
to the congregation of Enniskillen supplicated the Synod of
Ulster to be erected into a distinct congregation, stating that
they were seven miles from Enniskillen, and enjoyed divine
service only every fifth Sabbath. The application was
granted in 1821 ; the people engaged to pay a minister c£59
per annum. The first minister was Mr. James M'Williams,
who was ordained here on the 14th November, 1822. This
congregation did not obtain Regmm Bonum until 1827. Mr.
M'Williams died on the 20th of April, 1860 ; and was suc-
ceeded by Mr. Henry Cowan, who was ordained here on the
11th of September, 1860. On the 5th of October, 1865, Mr.
Cowan resigned the charge of the congregation, having
accepted a call from the congregation of Newbliss ; and was
succeeded by Mr. Samuel Huston Thompson, who was
ordained here on the 29th of December, 1865. On the 6th
of April, 1869, Mr. Thompson resigned the charge ; and on
the 20th July of the same year Mr. John H. Charleton was
installed as the minister. Mr. Charlton resigned this charge
on his removal to Clonduff in Januaxy, 1882 ; and was suc-
ceeded by Mr. John Sturgeon, formerly of Trenta, who was
installed here on the 22nd of August, 1882.
MALIN.
The earliest notice we have of this congregation is con-
nected with the ordination of Mr. John Harvey, jun., on the
23rd of October, 1717. He died in this charge on the 7th of
February, 1 733. He was succeeded by Mr. John Montgomery,
* Mr. Butler published a volume of sermons.
HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 193
who was installed here on the 8th of October, 1734. He
appears to have resigned in 1737, though he continued a
member of the Presbytery. Complaint was made in 1748
that he neither attended public worship nor the judicatories
of the church. The Presbytery of Derry was ordered to
enquire as to the grounds of this complaint, but Mr. Mont-
gomery died on the 14th of March, 1749, and thus there
appears to have been no investigation. Meanwhile Mr. David
Walker was ordained towards the end of the year 1738. He
continued here till his death, which occurred on the 21st of
July, 1766. Another Mr. David Walker was ordained here
on the 10th of October, 1768. He died in the end of May,
1782. The congregation was now for several years xmder the
care of Mr. Scott of Donagh. At length, on the 23rd of
March, 1798, Mr. James Canning was ordained to the pastoral
charge. He died on the 13th of May, 1830. He was suc-
ceeded by his son Mr. John Canning who was ordained here
on the 14th of March, 1832. Mr. Canning died on the 26th
of November, 1877 ; and was succeeded by Mr. Joseph
Thompson, who was ordained hereon the 13th of June, 1878.
On the 3rd of September, 1878, Mr. Thompson resigned this
charge ; and was succeeded by Mr. George W. Neely, who
was installed here on the 20th of November of the same year.
Mr. Neely resigned the charge on his appointment as a Mis-
sionary to New South Wales, in January, 1882 ; and was
succeeded by Mr. Archibald Henderson, who was installed
here on the 4th of April, 1882,
MAEKETHILL 1st.
The first minister here of whom we have any account was
Mr. Archibald Maclaine, who was installed here by the
Presbytery of Armagh about 1700. He was the first Pres-
byterian minister in this country prosecuted by the Bishop's
Court for celebrating marriage — though, as stated by Macbride
in his work on the subject, he had episcopal ordination. He
had previously been minister of Killbride in Arran. He was
able to preach in Irish. He died in this charge on the 20th
of July, 1734. After this the congregation divided. Those
who adhered to the old meeting-house offered a stipend of
<£40 per annum and 20 bolls of oats — a boll being equal to
six bushels. Those who adhered to the new meeting-house
offered security for c£30 and 15 bolls of oats. Both suppli-
M
194 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.
cated to be erected into distinct congregations, and their
requests were granted. Mr. George Ferguson was ordained
here on the 10th of March, 1741. Mr. Ferguson growing
infirm, Mr. Samuel Sloan was ordained here June 18th, 1780,
as his assistant and successor. Mr. Ferguson died on the
6th of June, 1782. Mr. Sloan died on the 25th of March,
] 793 ; and was succeeded by Mr. William Charleton, who
was ordained here on the 19th of March, 1794. On June
15th, 1808, the connection between Mr. Charleton and the
congregation was dissolved by the Presbytery. The next
minister was Mr. Paul Boreland, who was ordained here on
the 26th September, 1809. Becoming prematurely infirm,
Mr. John Fisher was ordained his assistant and successor on
the 23rd of June, 1828. Mr. Boreland died on the 15th of
July, 1831, leaving a widow and family. On the 25th of
March, 1842, Mr. Fisher was suspended from the office of
the ministry. He was succeeded as minister of Markethill
by Mr. Alexander Goudy Eoss, * who was ordained here on the
15th of June, 1843. Mr. Eoss died on the 24th of February.,
1858 ; and was succeeded by Mr. Hillis Kyle, who was
ordained here on the 29th of September, 1858. Mr. Kyle
died on the 24th of November, 1860. His successor was Mr.
George Nesbitt, formerly minister of Tartaraghan, who wa^
installed here on the 29th of May, 1861.
MILFOED.
This congregation was erected by the Presbytery of Letter-
kenny on the 15th of May, 1837. The first minister was
Mr. Eobert White, who was ordained on the 7th of
December, 1837. Mr. White died on the 14th of January,
1873 ; and was succeeded by Mr. Hugh MacCulloch, who
was ordained here on the 1st of October, 1873. Mr.
MacCulloch, having accepted a call from Buncrana, resigned
the pastoral charge on the 5th of January, 1881 ; and was
succeeded by Mr. William James Young, who was ordained
here on the 27th of July of the same year.
MILLISLE.
The early history of this congregation is buried in obscurity,
* Mr. Ross was the son of a respectable merchant in Monaghan,
from whom he inherited a small estate.
HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 195
and few records remain to thi-ow liglit on the subject. We
know, however, that Mr. Aaidrew Greer was ordained here
by the Presbytery of Belfast on the 20th of May, 1771. Mr.
Greer becoming infirm, Mr. John Walker was ordained his
assistant and successor on the 13th of April, 1810. In 1814
Mr. Walker was deposed. The next minister was Mr. John
Hanna, who was ordained here on the first Tuesday of May,
181S. Mr. Greer died on the 6th of April, 1819, leaving neither
widow nor family. Becoming infirm, Mr. Hanna, in 1847,
obtained leave for his congregation to choose an assistant
and successor ; and, on the 2nd of March, 1848, Mr. John
M'Auley was ordained here. Mr. Hanna died on the 4th of
January, 1850.
MINTEEBUEN.
This congregation being in the parish of Aghaloo, in
Tyrone, was originally known by that name. The first
minister was Mr. John Abernethy, who was ejected in 1661.
He then removed to Brigh. He was succeeded by Mr.
Joshua Fisher, who had been licensed by the Presbytei'y of
Antrim in 1675, and who settled here shortly afterwards.
He retired from this at the Eevolution, supj^lied Ballymena
for a time, and was finally settled at Donoughmore, near
Eaphoe. In September, 1691, we find the commissioner of
this congregation, named Timothy Greer, supplicating for
supplies at ten shillings a day till they obtained a minister.
Mr. William Ambrose was ordained here by the Presbytery
of Down in 1693. In 1714 this congregation was divided.
Part went to form an erection at Teugh, or Glennan ; part
worshipped at Minterburn, whilst part continued at Kinnaird
or Lisluney — the original settlement. Mr. Ambrose died
towards the end of the year 1714. He was succeeded by
Mr. Alexander Moor, who was ordained here on the 8th of
October, 1716. He died on the 8th of July, 1724, and his
tombstone is still said to be in Benburb churchyard. He
appears to have been succeeded by Mr. William Eay, but
some obscurity rests on this part of the history of the con-
gregation. Alter this great disputes prevailed. In 1743
the result of a poll between two rival candidates, Messrs.
Alexander Cumin and Adam Dufiin, was reported to the
Synod, but neither party succeeded. After much contention
Mr. John Ker was at length ordained here by the Presbytery
of Tyrone on the 9th of October, 1745. He died in this
196 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.
charge on the 11th of December, 1778. He was succeeded
by Mr. Robert Rogers, who was ordained here on the 12th of
November, 1782, and who removed to Corboy in March,
1785. The next minister was Mr. Hugh Boylan, who was
ordained hereon the 15th of November, 1785. He died here
on the 9th of October, 1807, leaving a widow and family.
He was succeeded by Mr. Andrew Shannon, who was ordained
here on the 20th of December, 1808, and died on the 22nd of
February, 1811. The next minister was Mr. Robert Cunning-
ham, who was ordained here on the 24th of September, 1812.
He died in this charge on the 29th of June, 1828 ; and was
succeeded by Mr. James Collins, who was ordained here on
the 26th of May, 1829. Mr. Collins died on the 23rd of
December, 1849 ; and was succeeded by Mr. Alexander
Gray, who was installed here on the 17th of December,
1850. Mr. Gray (now LL.D.) i-emoved to Belfast in May,
1865 ; and was succeeded by Mr. Andrew James Wilson, who
was ordained here on the 26th of September, 1865. On the
27th of September, 1883, Mr. Wilson resigned this charge
on his removal to Malone ; and was succeeded by Mr. Daniel
Manderson, who was ordained here on the 8th of January,
1884.
MOIRA.
This is a congregation of ancient origin. It appears to
have been in existence at the Revolution, but we do not know
who was then the minister. It was vacant in April, 1692.
The people then called Mr. Matthew Haltridge, minister at
Ahoghill, but the Presbytery would not permit him to remove.
Mr. Samuel Ferguson was ordained here towards the end of
the year 1693. He died in this charge on the 21st November,
1703. In 1706 the people supplicated the Synod that, con-
sidering they were yet but a weak settlement, they would add
to them some adjacent families then joined to Lisburn and
Glenavy. They were still vacant in 1708. At last they ob-
tained Mr. James Blair as their minister, and he was ordained
here on the 17th of May, 1709. He was removed to Deny
in June, 1713. His successor was Mr. Samuel Harpur, who
was ordained here by the Presbytery of Belfast, on the 13th
of March, 1717. In 1731 they supplicated the Synod that,
as they were lately deprived of their meeting-house, assistance
might be given them to build a new one. This was granted,
and they were annexed to the Presbytery of Armagh. Mr.
HISTOEY OF CONGREGATIONS. 197
Harpur joined the Presbytery of Antrim in 1726, and had
probably died before this application to the Synod. The
next minister was Mr. Thomas Creighton, who was ordained
here by the Presbytery of Armagh on the 27th of May, 1734.
In 1738 they built their meeting-house. Mr. Creighton died
in this charge on the 29th of December, 1741. The Seceders
now made their appearance in Ireland, and occupied the
Moira meeting-house. This created much trouble. The
congregation now remained long vacant on account of their
poverty. The next minister was Mr. Joseph Mitchell, who
was ordained here by the Presbytery of Bangor on the 29th
of October, 1751. In 1752 the people complained that their
meeting-house was seized by the Seceders, and that they had
been at considerable expense in a law-suit for its recovery.
In 1760 the Seceders still had the house, and the people again
api^ly to the Synod for assistance. Mr. Mitchell died on the
6th of October, 1774, leaving a widow and children ; and was
succeeded by Mr. William Stitt, who was ordained here on
the 10th of October, 1775. He removed to Dungannon in
September, 1777; and was succeeded by Mr. Andrew Craig,
who was ordained here on the 30th of June, 1778. He re-
moved to Lisburn in 1783, and was succeeded by Mr. D.
Trotter, who was ordained here on the 23rd of June, 1783.
He removed to Summerhill ; and was succeeded by Mr.
George Dobbin, who was ordained here on the 1st of May,
1792. He died in this charge on the 21st of December,
1796, leaving a widow and family; and was succeeded by
Mr. John Cochrane Wightman, who was ordained here on
the 20th of March, 1798. In 1800 he removed to 1st Holy-
wood ; and was succeeded by Mr. Hamilton Dobbin, who was
ordained here on the 10th of June, 1801. He removed to
Lurgan in January, 1802. The next minister was Mr. John
Mulligan, who was ordained here on the last Tuesday of
November, 1802. Mr. Mulligan joined the Remonstrants in
1829, and died not long afterwards. The Seceders still kept
up their interest in the place, and had established a congrega-
tion there, to which those who remained with the Synod of
Ulster finally adhered. At the union in 1840 Mr. William
Moffat was the minister, but not long afterwards he obtained
as his assistant Mr. Robert Moorhead, who was ordained
here on the 7th of November, 1843. Mr. Moorhead resigned
the charge on the 23rd of September, 1844 ; and on the 2nd
of April, 1845, Mr. Robert Scott Erwin was ordained here.
198 HISTORY OF CONGEEGATIONS.
Mr. Erwin in a short time removed to Cargycreevy ; and on
the 2nd of January, 1850, Mr. Samuel Graham was ordained
to the i^astoral charge. Mr. Moffat died on the 25th of
October, 1853.
MONAGHAN 1st.
The first minister we find here is Mr. Eobert Darragh.
He appears to have been ordained about 1697. He had an
unhappy career ; and in 1712 he was degraded by the Synod
for drunkenness and other irregular conduct. In 1715 the
people called Mr. Michael Bruce of Holywood, and sent
Messrs. Samuel Black, William Porter, John Gilmer, George
Armstrong, James M'Conkey, and John Fee as their com-
missioners to the Synod to prosecute the call. The Synod
decided that Mr. Bruce should remain in Holywood. The
people at length obtained as their minister Mr. Thomas
MacLaine, son of Mr. MacLaine of Markethill. He was
ordained here March 19th, 1718. He died in this charge on
the llth of November, 1740. After his death the congrega-
tion was much disti-acted. In 1742 Messrs. Dacre Hamilton
and John Porter were commissioners to the Synod. In 1744
Mr. David Hutchinson of Breaky was removed here ; and in
September, 1757, he was removed to Cox-k. He was succeeded
in Monaghan by Mr. James Hamilton, formerly of Dundonald,
who was installed here in 1758. He removed to Waterford
in October, 1775. The next minister was Mr. Matthew
Trumble, who was ordained here on the 24th of June, 1776.
Becoming infirm, Mr. John Adams was ordained his assistant
on the 3rd of February, 1818. On the 1st of August, 1820,
Mr. Adams resigned his charge and removed to Strabane.
Mr. Trumble died on the 28th of February, 1821. The next
minister was Mr. John Bleckley, * who was ordained here on
the 21st of February, 1821, a few days before the death of
Mr. Trumble. Mr. Bleckley becoming infirm, Mr. J. A.
Allison was ordained here on the 16th September, 1873.
Mr. Bleckley died on the 1st of December, 1873.
MONEYMOEE 1st.
The first minister of whom we have any account in this
congregation is Mr. John Abemethy, who accepted a call
* Mr. Bleckley taught an Academy in Monaghan. He was an
excellent scholar, an eloquent preacher, and an influential minister.
HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 199
from Moneymore in 1684, in preference to one which he had
from Antrim. Mr. Abemethy had formerly been minister of
Aghaloo, or Minterburn, in the Presbytery of Tyrone, and
had been ejected after the Restoration of Charles II. He
was then for some time minister of Brigh before his removal
to Moneymore. He was the father of Mr. Abemethy, of
Dublin, author of the celebrated sermons. At the Revolu-
tion, Mr. Abernethy, of Moneymore, had the honour of being
sent by the Irish Presbyterian ministers to London, as one
of their deputies, to wait on King William III. In September,
1691, he resigned the charge of Moneymore. The Presby-
terians of Magherafelt and Moneymore had at one time been
united under his ministry ; but the people of Magherafelt
meanwhile were formed into a separate congx-egation. When
Mr. Abernethy resigned the charge, the people of Moneymore
were recommended by the Presbytery to join with those of
Cookstown, under the ministry of Mr. M'Kenzie. They were
willing to agree to this arrangement ; and, at the Synod
held in April, 1692, they offered Mr. M'Kenzie =£20 per
annum, with Mr. Abernethy' s farm and dwelling-house,
provided they enjoyed "two parts of his labours ;" but the
proposal was not accepted. In 1697 Mr. Henry Crooks, son
of Mr. Crooks, minister of Ballykelly, was settled in Money-
more. He demitted the charge in September, 1734. The
next minister was Mr. Charles Caldwell, who was ordained
here by the Presbytery of Tyrone May 16th, 1738. At the
following Synod twenty-three families begged to be annexed
to other congregations, as " they could not live under Mr.
Caldwell's ministry." Mr. Caldwell died March 28th, 1780 ;
and was succeeded by Mr. William Moore, who was ordained
here May 14th, 1782. Mr. Moore becoming infirm, after
much disputation Mr. John Barnett (afterwards D.D.) was
ordained as his assistant and successor June 19th, 1827.
Mr. Moore died May 27th, 1837, leaving neither widow nor
family. Dr. Barnett becoming infirm, Mr. William M'Kean
was ordained as his assistant on the 26th of March, 1872.
Mr. M'Kean, on his removal to Raphoe, resigned this charge ;
and was succeeded by Mr. William Reid, who was installed
here on the 18th of December, 1876. Dr. Barnett died on
the 4th of January, 1880.
200 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.
MONEEAGH, Co. Donegal.
This congregation was originally known by the name of
tlie parish in which it was — viz., Tahoin or TaucjJiboyne. It
was early settled with Preshyterians. The Covenant was
solemnly administered here by Messrs. "Weir and Adair in
the latter end of April, 1644. On that occasion an extra-
ordinary concourse assembled here from fifteen miles round,
and took the Covenant. The first minister, Mr. Eobert
Cunningham, who had been a Conformist, was settled in this
place in 1645. In 1655 he was succeeded by Mr. John Hart.
Mr. Hart was deposed in 1661 by Leslie, Bishop of Raphoe,
and cast into pi'ison with three other ministers in 1664. He
remained in confinement for six years. In 1670 he was
liberated, and he was here in 1685. He probably either died
soon afterwards, or removed to Scotland at the breaking out
of the troubles prior to the Revolution. In 1688 the people
gave a call to Mr. Leggatt, of Dromore. The next minister
was Mr. Neil Gray. He had been minister at Clogher, but
removed from it at the troubles, and had taken up his abode
at Taboin in the latter end of 1689. His former congregation
applied to the Synod in 1691 for his restoration to them.
The people of Taboin resisted, sending Messrs. Walter
Patterson and James Marshall as their commissioners to the
Synod. The subject was resumed at the Synod in 1692, Mr.
John Bratton being commissioner from Taboin. It was
finally settled that, because of his valetudinary state, he
should be permitted to remain at Taboin. His health, how-
ever, continuing to decline, Mr. William Gray was ordained
as his assistant and successor on the 18th of October, 1699.
Mr. Neil Gray, however, did not die till March 3rd, 1715.
Mr. William Gray was suspended by his Pi-esbytery for
having been married irregularly about four years before.
He was required to acknowledge his sin before his congrega-
tion in presence of a minister sent thither for that purpose,
and he fulfilled this requirement. In 1721 the congregation
of Usher's Quay, Dublin, called him to be their minister.
The call was opposed by the commissioners of the congrega-
tion of Taboin, who were Messrs. John M'Clintock, Jo.
Moderell, and Robert Wilson ; but the Synod determined in
favour of his removal to Dublin. Soon after the congregation
fell into disputes with the Presbytery of Derry, and divided
among themselves. In 1723 a new erection was formed at
HISTORY OF CONGKEGATIONS. 201
St. Jolinston, Mr. William Gray, who had returned from
Dublin, being the minister. The next minister of Monreagh
"was Mr. William Boyd, formerly minister at Macosquin, who
was installed here on the 25th of April, 1725, The divisions
between this and the new congregation still continued, and
led to Q. pro-re-nata meeting of Synod in December, 1727, to
consider the case. The commissioners from the Session here
were Messrs. John M'Clintock, Tasker Keys, Walter Marshall,
and Robert Wilson. Mr. Boyd was joined to the Presbytery
of Route. The people now built a meeting-house at Mon-
reagh, and secured to Mr. Boyd d£40 per annum. He died
May 2nd, 1772, leaving a family. The next minister was
Mr. Pat Davison, from Scotland, who was installed here by
the Presbytery of Route on the 9th of January, 1776. He
was suspected as having a leaning to New Light doctrine,
and having demitted the charge he returned to Scotland in
October, 1786. He was succeeded by Mr. Moses Goorley,
who was ordained here by the Presbytery of Derry on the
1st of November, 1787. He resigned this charge and went
to America in August, 1794. After a long vacancy, Mr.
Matthew Heron was ordained to the pastoral charge here on
the 2nd of June, 1801. Mr. Heron becoming infirm, Mr.
Andrew Long was ordained as his assistant and successor on
the 24th of July, 1845. Mr. Heron died on the 27th of
March, 1846. Mr. Long becoming infirm, Mr. James
Latimer was ordained as his assistant and successor on the
21st of October, 1869. Mr. Long died soon afterwards. Mr.
Latimer, having received a call from America, resigned this
charge on the 24th of December, 1873 ; and on the 27th of
May, 1874, Mr. William Thompson was ordained here. Mr.
Thompson resigned this charge in November, 1882 ; and was
succeeded by Mr. Hugh Cairns, who was ordained here on
the 12th of April, 1883.
MOUNTMELLICK.
The origin of a Presbyterian Congregation here is not
known, but it seems to have enjoyed occasional services from
the ministers of Aughmacart and Ballybrittas, two consider-
able congregations in Queen's County, in the early part of
the last century. At the close of the century, or about 1796,
these congregations became extinct on the death of the
ministers ; and the large tracts of land held in fee for their
202 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.
use for one peppercorn a year not being looked after, were
lost to the Presbyterian Churcli. Authentic documents show
that there existed around Mountmellick as centre, congrega-
tions at Portarlington, Mountrath, Cullohill, Athy, The Leap,
Eahue, and Edenderry, all having some landed projjerty at-
tached at a nominal rent, but from neglect passed into the
hands of others. How these churches were broken up has
not been clearly ascertained ; but it is supposed the rebellion
of 1798 caused the departure of many members, and as that
was a period of general deadness in religion, internal decline
had also its influence. In 1820 the Secession Synod estab-
lished a mission in Mountmellick, and after supplying it for
a time with licentiates, the peojile presented a call to the Rev.
Thomas Clarke, who was ordained here by the Rev. David
Stuart, D.D., Dublin ; the Rev. Joseph Lowry, Lissara ; and
the Rev. John Coulter, Grilnahirk (a commission appointed
by the Synod), on September 25th, 1829. Mr. Clarke la-
boured with great zeal and acceptance, until he resigned his
charge in 1831, on receiving a call from Magherahamlet,
County Down, where he ministered till his death, in June,
1861. After his resignation, the circumstances of Mount-
mellick were never so encouraging as to warrant the Synod
in ordaining a successor; but, at considerable expense, they
continued to supply the station with some of their ablest
licentiates, amongst whom the names of Rentoul, Bell, and
others, are still held in grateful recollection by the old
members. Finally, the place was abandoned even as a
mission station. In 1843 a highly-respectable family settled
here from the north of Scotland, and some other Scotch
people arrived not long afterwards. About this time the Rev.
J. Edmonds, itinerant missionary of the General Assembly,
visited the town, discovered the nucleus of a congregation,
established a fortnightly service, and under his care a con-
gregation was organised. On the 6th of August, 1846, the
Rev. David Greer was ordained here by the Presbytery of
Athone. Mr. Greer received a call to the Mariners' Church,
Belfast, and resigned his charge of Mountmellick on the 7th
August, 1849. Mr. Greer afterwards emigrated to America,
in connection with the Colonial Mission. After some years
he passed into the United States, and settled at Dickenson,
Pennsylvania, near to which was fought the battle of Gettys-
burgh. After that terrible battle his church was for some
weeks turned into an hospital. He then returned to Ii*eland,
HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 203
and settled at Cavanaleck. After the departure of Mr. Greer
from Mountmellick it was placed under the care of the Rev.
Henry M'Manus, the Assembly's missionary to the Irish-
speaking Roman Catholic population, who was then in infirm
health, and the congregation was transferred from the Presby-
tery of Athlone to that of Dublin. In 1851, James Gibson, Esq.,*
was appointed Chairman of Queen's County, and through
his influence the congregation obtained the present site for
their church and manse, having previously been without any
church of their own. On the 6th September, 1853, Mr.
M'Manus was installed pastor by the Presbytery of Dublin ;
on the same day, William Todd, Esq., Dublin, laid the
foundation-stone of the new church ; and on the 27th August,
1854, the edifice was opened for divine worship by Dr. Morgan
of Belfast. Owing to ill health, Mr. M'Manus resigned the
congregation on the 7th of April, 1858. He died in Dublin,
1864. A very interesting work appeared from his pen the
year before his death, entitled " Sketches of the Irish High-
lands." The congregation, after the resignation of Mr.
M'Manus, presented a call to the Rev. Robert Harshaw, then
assistant-minister at Mullingar, who was installed here on
the 22nd of March, 1859.
MOUNTJOY.
The history of this congregation — formerly called Cross-
roads — is somewhat obscure. It had a minister upwards
of a century ago, for it would appear that Mr. James
Patton was settled here in 1775. Mr. James M'Clintock
was ordained here at Cappagh on the 24th of May, 1791.
Becoming infirm, Mr. John Hamilton was ordained as his
assistant on the 6th of November, 1821. Mr. M'Clintock
died in December, 1849. Mr. Hamilton resigned the active
duties of the ministry, and was succeeded by Mr. John
Gilmour, who was ordained here as his assistant on the 9th
of September, 1862. Mr. Hamilton died on the 18th of
June, 1874.
MOURNE.
The first minister of whom we read in connection with
* Mr. Gibson, who was for some time M.P. for Belfast, was a
gentleman of distinguished zeal and piety. He frequently sat, as an
elder, in the General Assembly.
204 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.
this congregation was Mr. Charles Wallace. He was
ordained here by the Presbytery of Down on the 21st July,
1696. After a ministry of forty years he died in this charge
on the 12th of July, 1736. In 1739 a part of the congrega-
tion, assembling at the new meeting-house, supplicated to be
erected into a distinct congregation. The place was now
long vacant. At length Mr. Andrew Kennedy was ordained
at Mourne by the Presbytery of Armagh on the 24th of
February, 1741. His ministry was also of about forty years'
duration. He died on the 9th of October, 1781, leaving a
family only. The next minister was Mr. Moses Thompson,
who was ordained here by the Presbytery of Dromore on the
22nd July, 1783. He died in this charge on the 21st of
March, 1800, leaving a widow and child. He was succeeded
by Mr. John M'llwaine, who was installed here on the 23rd
of December, 1800. He died in this charge on the 16th of
March, 1839. The next minister was Mr. James Alfred
Canning, who was installed here on the 26th of November,
1839. On the 10th of March, 1848, Mr. Canning resigned
the charge, having received a call from the 2nd congregation
of Coleraine ; and on the 6th of March, 1849, Mr. Samuel
Mateer was ordained to the pastoral charge. Mr. Mateer
becoming infirm, Mr. David Wilson was installed here on the
21st September, 1881. On his removal to Dungannon, Mr.
Wilson resigned this charge ; and was succeeded by Mr.
William E. Campbell, who was ordained here on the 18th of
September, 1885, but he died after preaching only a few
Sabbaths. He was succeeded by the Rev. William M'Mordie,
formerly of Tandragee, who was installed here on the 16th
of March, 1886.
MOVILLE.
The first notice we have of this congregation is on the
occasion of the settlement of Mr. Thomas Harvey, jun., who
was ordained here on the 26th of July, 1715. In 1718 he
removed to Donagh. In 1720 the people gave a call to Mr.
James Wallace, minister at Moywater or Killala, promising
him as stipend ^620 in money and oats by their commissioner,
Mr. William Rankin. The Synod permitted him to accept
the call, and he was installed here shortly afterwards. He
died in this charge on the 21st of February, 1727. He was
succeeded by Mr. Thomas Harvey, son of Mr. Harvey of
Donagh. Mr. Harvey died here on the 13th of March, 1747.
HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 205
The next minister was Mr. Jolin Cochrane, who was ordained
here on the 3rd of July, 1750. He demitted this charge on
the 20th of April, 1754, and died on the 21st of June, 1762.
The next minister was Mr. Henry M'Kinley, who was
ordained here on the 4th of March, 1766. He was succeeded
by Mr. Robert Caldwell, who had been minister at Macosquin,
but who, through temporary aberration of mind, had been
obliged to resign that charge in 1781. He was installed here
on the 16th of November, 1784. Becoming infirm, Mr.
William M'Clenaghan was ordained here as his assistant and
successor on the 19th of December, 1820. Mr. Caldwell died
in January, 1823, leaving a widow and family ; and Mr.
M'Clenaghan died in January, 1824, leaving neither widow
nor family. The next minister was Mr. Hugh Mills, who
was ordained here on the 22nd of June, 1824. He died here
on the 21st of November, 1832, leaving neither widow nor
family. He was succeeded by Mr. Andrew Clements, who
was ordained here on the 26th of December, 1833. Becoming
infirm, Mr. Clements in 1860 obtained leave for his congre-
gation to choose an assistant and successor. On the 22nd of
November, 1861, the Eev. John Bell was ordained to the
pastoral charge. Mr. Clements died in the spring of 1867.
MULLINGAE.
In 1821 certain inhabitants of Mullingar and Tyrell's
Pass supplicated the Synod of Ulster to be erected into a
congregation, and promised to pay a stipend of <£54 per
annum. The congregation was accordingly organised, and
the first minister was Mr. Alexander Gibson, who was
ordained here on the 19th of March, 1823. Mr. Gibson was
suspended from the ministry on the 8th of February, 1858.
The next minister was Mr. R. H. Harshaw, who was ordained
here by the Presbytery of Athlone on the 7th of December,
1858. Mr. Harshaw held this charge a very short time — as
he resigned it on the 3rd of March, 1859, and removed to
Mountmellick. Mr. Gibson died on the 12th of June, 1862 ;
and on the 2nd of July of the same year Mr. Matthew
Murphy, who had previously been ordained as a missionary
for the district, was installed as the minister of this con-
gregation.
206 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.
NEWRY 1st.
We have no account of any minister here "before Mr.
George Lang, who was in charge of the congregation in 1688.
At the troubles he left Newry, and residing in the neigh-
bourhood of Carnmoney in 1690 he undertook, with the
consent of the Presbytery, to supply that congregation till he
should have an opportunity of returning to his proper
charge. He returned to Newry in May, 1692. In 1698 it is
reported to the Synod that the meeting-house is now within
a mile of that town, towards Narrow Water. Mr. Lang died
on the 25th of January, 1702. His successor was Mr. Robert
Rainey, who was ordained here on the 25th of June, 1706.
He died in this charge on the lOtli of September, 1736 ; and
was succeeded by Mr. James Moody, minister of Magherally,
who was settled here in 1740. Mr. Moody died in this
charge on the 26th of May, 1779. He was succeeded by his
son, Mr. Boyle Moody, who belonged to the Southern As-
sociation, and was installed here by the Presbytery of
Armagh on the 11th of August, 1779. He died in this
charge on the 5th of February, 1799. The next minister
was Mr. John Thom, who was a native of Scotland, and a
licentiate of the Presbytery of Aughterarder. He was
ordained here on the 5th of August, 1800. His ministry
was short, as he died here on the 18th of July, 1808, leaving
a widow and family. He was succeeded by Mr. Andrew Gr.
Malcom, formerly minister of Dunmurry, who was installed
here on the 14th of March, 1809. In 1820 he received the
honorary degree of D.D. He died January 12th, 1823,
leaving a widow and family. The next minister was Mr.
John Mitchell, formerly of Londonderry, who was installed
here September 2nd, 1823. He was the father of Mr. John
Mitchell of political notoriety. Mr. Mitchell at length
avowed himself a Unitarian, and left the Synod of Ulster in
1829. He died on the 28th of February, 1840. In con-
sequence of his theological views there was a considerable
secession from his congregation ; and another was formed
in connection with the Synod of Ulster. Mr. James
Shields was chosen minister, and was ordained here by the
Presbytery of Dromore on the 20th of June, 1829. Mr.
Shields resigned the charge of the congregation on the 28th
of July, 1846, and left the ministry. He was succeeded by
Mr. John Moran, who had for a short time been minister of
HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS, 207
1st Ballibay, and who was installed here on the 16th of
November, 1846. Mr. Moran resigned this charge on the
17th of March, 1862, on his removal to Belmont, near Belfast;
and was succeeded by Mr., William Todd Martin, who was
ordained here on the 19th of November, 1862. Mr. Martin
resigned this charge on the 22nd of January, 1867, having
accepted a call from Strean Church, Newtownards ; and was
succeeded by Mr. John H. Munro, who was ordained here on
the 17th of December, 1867. Mr. Mum-o resigned this
charge in the summer of 1873 ; and was succeeded by Mr.
James C. Ferris, who was installed here on the 18th of
February, 1874.
NEWTOWNAEDS 1st.
This congregation was early planted. The first minister
appears to have been Mr. David Kennedy. He was deposed
and fined by the High Commission Court in Dublin ; but the
sentence was reversed on the 14th of August, 1641. In 1642
an eldership or session was regularly ordained in this place,
and Mr. John Maclellan was then the minister. He was not
long here ; and was succeeded by Mr. John Greg, who beinw
obliged to make his escape from Carrickfergus, his former
charge, settled here about 1 650. He was dej)osed by Bishop
Jeremy Taylor in 1661, but he nevertheless continued
privately among his people till his death on the 20th of July,
1670. The next minister was Mr. Thomas Kennedy. He
was here in 1688, but he must have been settled much
earlier, for we find him a member of the Down Pi-esbytery in
November, 1671. A notice contained in the following
minute of the Presbytery of Antrim suggests that Mr. Alex.
Hutchinson ofiiciated as minister of Newtownards about the
time of the Revolution. The following is the minute : —
November 4th, 1690 — Appears from Newton, in the County
of Down, Provost Corry (the ancestor of Sir J. P. Corry,
Bart., M.P.), desiring this meeting to supply Newton four
Sabbaths in Mr. Alex. Hutchinson's absence, then supplying
Dublin." The next minister was Mr. John Smith, but the
date of his ordination cannot now be ascertained. He died
November 8th, 1704. The next minister was Mr. John
Mairs, who was loosed from Longford in 1706, and settled
here the following year. He died on the 25th of December,
1718. He was succeeded by his son, who was also John
Mairs, and who was ordained here on the 10th of February,
208 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.
1720. In 1725 he joined the Non- subscribing Presbytery of
Antrim.* Meanwhile a number of the people appear to have
become dissatisfied with his ministry, and in consequence, in
1723, they had become a congregation adhering to the Synod
of Ulster. They do not seem, however, to have been able
for a considerable time to maintain a minister. In 1726
Mr. James Moorhead appears to have been stationed here.
He was succeeded by Mr. James Smith, who was ordained
here by the Presbytery of Bangor on the 10th of April, 1739.
Mr. Smith was removed to Capel Street, Dublin, in February,
1740 ; and was succeeded by Mr. James Huey, who was
ordained here by the same Presbytery on the 6th of July,
1742. On the erection of the Presbytery of Belfast, this
congregation was annexed to it. Mr. Huey becoming infirm,
Mr. James Sim son was ordained by the Presbytery of
Belfast his assistant and successor on the 24th of August,
1790. Mr. Huey died on the 24th of October, 1794, leaving
no family. Mr. Simson removed to America in May, 1799 ;
and was succeeded by Mr. James M'Cullough, who was
ordained here on the 20th of May, 1800. Becoming infirm,
his son, Mr. Julius M'Cullough, was ordained here as his
assistant and successor on the 28th of August, 1834. His
father survived for several years. Mr. Julius M'Cullough
having obtained leave for the congregation to choose an
assistant and successor, Mr. Matthew M'Auley was ordained
here on the 7th of November, 1865. Mr. Julius M'Cullough
died on the 7th December, 1866. Mr. M'Auley resigned the
pastoral charge on the 4th of February, 1879, having accepted
a call from a congregation in the Presbytery of London ; and
on the 29th of July of the same year Mr. William Wright
was ordained here.
NEWTOWNAEDS 2nd.
This congregation was originally connected with the
Antiburgher Seceders. Most of the individuals at first
belonging to it resided about Conlig. The preaching com-
menced in the open air, as the people had not the accom-
modation of any large covered building. A temporary
structure of a very humble description was provided ; and, as
it was within the bounds of the parish of Bangor, the con-
* This congregation still exists in connection with the Unitarian
Body. The first Marquis of Londonderry, father of the celebrated
Lord Castlereagh, was till his death a member of it.
HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 209
gregation was in the beginning so called. Theii* first minister
was Mr. James Martin. He was ordained at Conlig in 1753.
In his time a house of worship was built in Newtownards.
The date of its erection (1771) was on a stone above the
south door ; and the initials of the minister (J, M.) appeared
on the tokens used when the Lord's Supper was dispensed.
Mr. Martin appears to have preached in this meeting-house
until about 1776, when he is said to have emigrated to
America. He was succeeded by Mr. Francis Archibald, who
was ordained here on the 5th of August, 1777. He continued
in this charge till August, 1780, when he left the counti-y.
A long vacancy now occurred ; but at length Mr. James
Bigger was ordained pastor on the 13th of April, 1785. He
was disannexed from this charge in 1797, the year before the
rebellion, and he removed to North Britain. He was suc-
ceeded by Mr. James Gardner, who was ordained here on the
4th of November, 1801. Mr. Gardner was married to Mag-
dalene Frazer, a lineal descendant of the celebrated Ralph
Ershine, one of the founders of the Scottish Secession. Mr.
Gardner died in January, 1812. The first four ministers of
this congregation, viz., Messrs. Martin, Archibald, Bigger,
and Gardner were all natives of Scotland. Mr. Gardner was
succeeded by Mr. David Maxwell, who was installed here as
pastor on the 23rd of September, 1812. He had been pre-
viously minister of Drumkeen, in County Monaghan. Mr.
Maxwell died on the 11th October, 1859, and was succeeded
by Mr. James Young, who was ordained here on the 26th of
June, 1860.
NEWTOWNCROMMELIN.
This congregation was erected by the Presbytery of Bally-
mena in 1826. The first minister was Mr. Joseph Anderson,
who was ordained here on the 8th of August of that year.
The congregation obtained Begium Donum in 1831 in the
3rd class. In May, 1834, Mr. Anderson resigned the con-
gregation and emigrated to America. He was succeeded by
Mr. John Gemmil, a licentiate of the Church of Scotland,
who was ordained here by the Presbytery of Connor on the
23rd of June, 1835. On the 18th of April, 1837, Mr.
Gemmil resigned the charge, and became minister of Fairlie,
near Largs, in Scotland. He was succeeded by Mr. Malcom
Orr, who was ordained here by the Presbytery of Connor on
the 28th of November, 1837. Mr. Orr died on the 8th of
210 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.
December, 1876 ; and was succeeded by Mr. William J.
Gilmore, wbo was ordained here on the 18th of December,
1877.
NEWTOWNHAMILTON.
This congregation was formerly connected with Creggan,
The last minister of the united congregation was the Rev,
Daniel Gunn Brown, who was ordained on the 6th of March.
1833.* After the separation, Mr. Brown remained minister
of Newtownhamilton. Becoming infirm, he resigned this
charge on the 1st of November, 1870. He had previously
obtained as his assistant and successor Mr. John Kirkj^atrick,
who was ordained here on the 28th of May, 1868. On the
3rd of November, 1874, Mr, Kirkpatrick resigned this charge,
having accepted a call from a congregation in the Presbytery
of New York. On the 14th of December, 1875, Mr. Thomas
Dysart was ordained to this charge,
NEWTOWNSTEWAET 1st.
Livingston in his "Memoirs" mentions, among his
acquaintances in the ministry in Ireland, Mr. William
Moorecraft of Newtownstewart, in the Presbytery of Lagan,
in the year 1654. He was deposed in 1661, and probably
soon after went to Scotland. For a long time the Presby-
terians of Newtownstewart belonged to an adjoining con-
gregation, and they had no place of worship in the town.
In 1802 they supplicated the Synod of Ulster to be erected
into a separate charge, and their request was soon afterwards
granted. The first minister was Mr. John M'Farlan, who
was ordained here by the Presbytery of Strabane on the 19th
of December, 1804. In 1824 he was suspended for the
irregular celebration of marriage and other misconduct. At
length in 1825 leave was given to the congregation to elect
another minister, Mr, Charles Adams was ordained to the
pastoral charge on the 9th of August, 1827, On the 12th of
May, 1830, Mr. M'Farlan was degraded for again celebrating
marriage irregularly. On the 17th of August, 1842, Mr.
Adams was suspended ; and on the 29th of June, 1843, Mr,
John M'Carter was ordained to the pastoral charge, Mr.
M'Carter soon became unable to perform his ministerial
* Mr. Brown is (collaterally) descended from the Eev. James
Kirkpatrick, the author of " Presbyterian Loyalty."
HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 211
duties ; and, in consequence, Mr. Robert C. Donnel "was
ordained as his assistant on the 28th of February, 1849.
Mr. Donnel died very shortly after the Assembly of 1881.
He was succeeded by Mr. William G. Black, who was
ordained here on the 15th of March, 1882.
OMAGH 1st.
Mr. Samuel Haliday was minister here before the
Revolution. He seems to have been here as early as 1664.
He fled to Scotland in 1688, but returned in 1692. At his
return he settled in Ardstraw, Omagh having declaimed its
inability to support a minister, in which destitute state it
continued till they obtained Mr. James Maxwell, who was
ordained here November 8th, 1699. He died in this charge
February 1st, 1750, aged 89 years; and was succeeded by
Mr. Hugh Delap, who was ordained here by the Presbytery
of Strabane June 5th, 1751. In the same year they apply to
be annexed to the Presbytery of Letterkenny — as the Presby-
tery of Strabane had sent supj^lies to some malcontents who
had resisted the settlement of Mr. Delap. Mr. Delap died
June 12th, 1787; and was succeeded by Mr. Hugh Delap,
probably his son, who was ordained here April 15th, 1790.
On May 21st, 1805, he was degraded for immorality by the
Presbytery. Their next minister was Mr. Samuel Cuthbert-
son, who was ordained here June 11th, 1806. Mr. Cuth-
bertson, being irregular in his conduct, was required to
demit the charge by a committee of Synod appointed to visit
the congregation ; but was permitted to retain part of the
Regitim Bonnm. Mr. John Arnold, formerly minister of
Clontibret, was installed as his assistant and successor July
15th, 1835. Mr. Arnold becoming infirm, Mr. James
Maconaghie was installed here as his assistant on the 7th of
April, 1875. Mr. Arnold died on the 22nd of July, 1881.
Mr. Maconaghie, on receiving a call from Fortwilliam,
Belfast, resigned this charge in the spring of 1886 ; and was
succeeded here by the Eev. William Colquhoun, formerly of
Ahoghill.
OMAGH 2nd.
This congregation originated in the dissatisfaction which
existed at the time of the settlement of Mr. Hugh Delap as
212 HISTORY OF CONGJREGATIONS.
miBister of the old coDgregation. In 1752, commissioners
consisting of Mr. William Scott, Mr. James Nixon, and others,
appeared before the Synod of Ulster, i-epresenting fifty
families in the place, who prayed to be erected into a separate
congregation. Their apj^lication was granted, and they were
annexed to the Presbytery of Strabane. Their first minister
was Mr. Robert Nelson, who was ordained here in July, 1754.
He died in this charge on the 8th of April, 1801 ; and was
succeeded by Mr. David Gilkey, who was ordained here on
the 3rd of February, 1803. Mr. Gilkey, becoming infirm,
retired from the ministry, and was succeeded by Mr. Josias
Mitchell, who was ordained here on the 2nd of February,
1842. Mr. Gilkey died on the 15th of August, 1850. At
the Assembly of 1879, Mr. Mitchell obtamed leave for his
congregation to choose an assistant and successor ; and on the
16th of December of the same year Mr. Thomas M'.Afee
Hamill was ordained his assistant and successor. Mr. Mitchell
died on the 22nd of July, 1882. On the 12th of February,
1884, Mr. Hamill resigned this charge on his removal to 1st
Lurgan, and was succeeded by Mr. William Johnston, who
was ordained here on the 30th of September following.
OEEITOE.
In 1824 the inhabitants of the parish of Kildress, iu
County Tyrone, supplicated the Synod of Ulster for permis-
sion to be erected into a distinct charge. Their case was
referred to the Presbytery of Tyrone, who sustained their
claim. Mr. John G. Magowan, the first minister, was
ordained here on the 26th of April, 1825. In 1831 the
congregation obtained Regium Donum in the third class —
that is, ,£50 yearly, late Irish currency. On the 1st of May,
1855, Mr. Magowan availed himself of permission, granted
by the Assembly in 1848, for his congregation to choose an
assistant and successor. On the 7th of May, 1856, Mr.
William Wray was ordained to the pastoral charge ; and Mr.
Magowan died on the 19th of September, 1867.
PETTIGO.
We find the congregation of Pettigo vacant in 1702. In
1704 it was proposed to be joined to Golan or Fintona. We
HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 213
hear nothing further of its state till the ordination of Mr.
Joseph Hemphill by the Strabane Presbytery on the 12th of
July, 1721. He held the joint charge of Pettigo and
Clougherny. Mr. Hemphill died here in June, 1747. He
"was succeeded by Mr. James Ker, -who was ordained to
Pettigo alone on the 14th of April, 1752. He removed to
Ahoghill in the following year. The congregation now seems
to have remained for a considerable time in a languishing
condition. About this period the Rev. Philip Skelton, one
of the most remarkable men ever connected with the late
Pi-otestant Established Church, was rector of Pettigo; and
the account which he gives represents the state of religion in
the district as very deplorable. In 1792 Drumquin was
separated from Derg and joined to Pettigo. In 1827 it was
separated from Drumquin and formed into a distinct charge.
Its first minister in this state was Mr. John Moore, who was
ordained here by the Presbytery of Strabane on the 7th of
February, 1828. Mr. Moore resigned this charge on the
12th of October, 1836, and removed to Glenelly. He was
succeeded by Mr. William Fleming, who was ordained here
on the 26th of March, 1837. Mr. Fleming died on the 5th
of March, 1842 ; and was succeeded by Mr. Archibald
Hunter, who was ordained here on the 29th of June of the
same year. Mr. Hunter resigned the charge on the 4th of
February, 1843 ; and was succeeded by Mr. Simon ISTelson,
who was ordained on the 27th of March, 1844. Mr. Nelson
died on the 3rd of May, 1847 ; and was succeeded by Mr.
John Donaldson, who was ordained here on the 29th of
September, 1847.
PORTADOWlSr 1st.
In 1821 the inhabitants of this town and its vicinity
applied to the Synod of Ulster to be put under the care of
the Presbytery of Dromore, and to be supplied with preach-
ing every Lord's day. In the following year they were
erected into a separate congregation, and their first minister
was Mr. Alexander Heron, who was ordained here on the
12th of December, 1822. He resigned this charge in August,
1826, and removed to Ballyroney. Their next minister was
Mr. William T. Gr. Dowlin, who was ordained here on the 1st
of March, 1827. Mr. Dowlin died in this charge on the 7th
of January, 1838 ; and was succeeded by Mr. Alexander Kerr,
who was ordained here on the 21st of June, 1838. Mr.
214 HISTORY or CONGREGATIONS.
Kerr resigned the charge on becoming a missionary to India ;*
and was succeeded by Mr. Leonard Dobbin Elliot, who was
ordained here on the 17th of February, 1841. Becoming
infirm, Mr. Elliot obtained as his assistant Mr. Robert Vint,
who was ordained here on the 26th of January, 1875. On
his removal to a congregation in England, Mr. Vint resigned
this charge on the 26th of August, 1880 ; and was succeeded
by Mr. W. J. Macaulay, who was installed here on the 20th
of January, 1881. Mr. Elliot died on the 2nd of April of
the same year.
PORTAFERRY.
The first minister of this congregation was the Rev. John
Drysdale. He had been chaplain to Lord Claneboy's regi-
ment, and had remained in the country during the rebellion
of 1641, He was soon after chosen minister of this charge,
where he was ordained by Mr. Blair and the ministers of the
army in July, 1642. In 1645 he was sent as a commissioner
from the Presbytery to the General Assembly of Scotland,
partly to obtain the opinion of that judicatory in some
doubtful cases of discipline, and partly to procure an addi-
tional supply of ministers. In 1650 he was apprehended by
a party of about eighty dragoons, by order of Colonel
Venables, one of Cromwell's ofiicers. Tradition says that
this arrest was made during the time of divine service, and
when he was preaching. Two of the gables of the church
where it occurred, one of them ivy-mantled, still remain in
Templecranny graveyard at Portaferry. At this period he
was a prisoner in Belfast for sixteen days. In 1661 he and
sixty other Presbyterian ministers, being almost the entire
number then officiating in the province, were deposed and
ejected from their benefices by the northern prelates. These
ministers enjoyed the painful, though honourable, pre-
eminence of being the first to suffer in the three kingdoms,
after the Restoration of Charles II., for nonconformity. In
1663, Mr. Drysdale and six other ministers of Down were
apprehended, and confined in Carlingford Castle, where they
were treated with great harshness. They were charged with
a share in a conspiracy, known as Blood's Plot, though some
* When the Irish General Assembly was formed in 1840, one of its
first acts was the designation of two missionaries to the heathen. One
of these was Mr. Kerr, who died soon afterwards ; the other Mr. (now
Dr. ) Glasgow, is still living.
HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 215
of tlaem had never even heard of the affair until the time of
their arrest, and though they were all quite innocent of any
participation in it. After six weeks* confinement on this
occasion, Mr. Drysdale was obliged to leave the country ; and
he retired for a time to Scotland. On his return he was not
permitted to remain unmolested. In 1670 he and eleven
others of the ministers of Down were summoned by Roger
Boyle, Bishop of Down, to his court, and threatened with
excommunication. The threat was only prevented from being
carried into effect by the interference of Sir Arthur Forbes,
who had influence with Primate Margetson. Such was the
return made to the Presbyterian ministers for their firm
adherence to the cause of royalty in the time of Oliver
Cromwell. The next minister of Portaferry was the Eev.
Arthur Strayton. At the Restoration he fled to Scotland,
and never returned. His successor was the Rev. Samuel
Shannon, who was ordained here early in 1697. Mr. Shannon
continued long in this charge. A letter of his, and other
documents to be found in " Kirkpatrick's Presbyterian
Loyalty," show the virulence of the Irish Prelatical Church
at that period. In 1739, Mr. Shannon having become infirm
and unfit for duty, the congregation obtained leave from the
Presbytery to choose an assistant and successor to him. He
died Jime 26th, 1743. Meanwhile, the Rev. James Armstrong
had been chosen as his assistant. He was ordained by the
Presbytery of Killyleagh October 31st, 1739. His pastorate
lasted forty years, his death having taken place October 23rd,
1779. His memory was long cherished with grateful affec-
tion. He was maternal grandfather of Dr. Robert Stephenson
of Belfast, his daughter having been married to Mr. (after-
wards Dr.) Stephenson, who was at one time minister of
Greyabbey. The following is the inscription on his tombstone,
which is to be found near the ivy-mantled gable of the old
church in Templecranny graveyard : —
The Body of
the Rev. James Armstrong, A.M.,
lies here.
He discharged his duty
as a Fastor
with dignity and faithfulness, and
his life was an example
of fervent piety
and of sincere charity.
He died the 23rd October, 1779,
in the 70th year of his age.
216 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS,
In 1780 the Eev. William Steele Dickson (afterwards D.D,),
who for nine years had been minister of the adjoining con-
gregation of Ballyhalbert, now Glastry, was installed in
Portaferry. Early in his ministry cock-fighting was an
aristocratic as well as a vulgar amusement; and even the
established clergy were, in many cases, quite ready to join in
the sport. Dr. Dickson comj^osed and preached a sermon on
the subject, in which all the genteel and slang phrases of the
occupation, which he had collected at different times from a
servant who was quite an adept in the business, were most
tellingly introduced. This discourse gave a death-blow to
the practice among the more respectable classes of society —
the sermon in manuscript having been extensively circulated
and read. In June, 1798, Dr. Dickson was arrested on the
eve of the Irish Rebellion, and for three years was kept a
State prisoner at Fort George, in Scotland, The congrega-
tion was proclaimed vacant by the Presbytery of Bangor on
the 28th of November, 1799 ; and the Eev, William Moreland
was ordained to the charge on the 16th of June, 1800, Dr,
Dickson, after his liberation from Fort George, obtained a
call to the newly-erected congregation of 2nd Keady, which
in 1815 he was obliged to resign from bodily infirmity. He
died in Belfast December 27th, 1824. He left behind him
several publications — viz. : " A Sermon on the Death of the
Eev, James Armstrong," " A Treatise of Psalmody," " A
Narrative of his Confinement and Exile," and a volume of
sermons. In 1822 Mr. Moreland having become infirm, the
congregation of Portaferry obtained liberty from the Synod
of Ulster to choose an assistant and successor to him. He
died October 23rd, 1825. Meanwhile the Eev. John Orr, A.M.,
was ordained by the Presbytery of Bangor on the 2nd of
October, 1822, Becoming infirm, Mr, Orr obtained as his
assistant Mr, Thomas E, Clouston, who was ordained here
on the 5th of October, 1875, Mr, Orr died on the 4th of
November, 1878. On his designation as a missionary to New
South Wales, Mr, Clouston resigned this charge ; and was
succeeded by Mr, John Boyd, who was installed here on the
21st December, 1880, In 1841 the present handsome and
unique church, rebuilt by the congregation, at an expense of
upwards of ^£2,200, was opened for public worship. The
congregational schoolhouse was erected in 1849 at the cost of
^£220.
HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 217
PORTGLENONE 1st.
The first notice we have of this congregation is in 1726,
"when the people made an application to the Synod of Ulster
to be withdrawn from the Presbytery of Antrim and joined
to that of Eoute. The application was granted. The people
of Portglenone appear to have previously attended on the
ministry of Mr. Shaw of Ahoghill ; but, on his joining the
Non-subscribing Presbytery of Antrim, they withdrew from
him. Mr. John Hill was ordained as their minister on the
19th of December, 1727. He died in this charge on the 29th
of July, 1759. Their next minister was Mr. Eobert Kirk-
patrick, who was ordained here on the 19th of August, 1762.
The next minister was Mr. Alexander Spear, who was ordained
here on the 23rd of February, 1773. Becoming infirm, Mr.
Joseph Shaw was ordained as his assistant on the 10th of
June, 1822. Mr. Shaw resigned this charge on the 23rd of
December, 1824, and removed to Larne. He was succeeded
by Mr. William Kennedy M'Kay, who was ordained here on
the 7th of June, 1826. " Mr. Spear died August 12th, 1835.
Mr. M'Kay having obtained leave to resign, Mr. John
Houston was ordained on the 19th of October, 1859, as his
assistant. Mr. M'Kay died on the 15th of February, 1876.
PORTRUSH.
This congregation of the General Assembly was organised
sometime in the spring of 1841,* and supplied with preaching
by the Presbytery of Coleraine till the close of 1842. At
this time a call was presented to the Rev. Jonathan Simpson,
and on his acceptance of it, he preached his first sermon as
their minister on Christmas Day, falling this year on Sabbath.
He was installed on the Tuesday following (27th December,
1842), as their first pastor. Previously he had been ordained
on 12th August, 1840, by a commission of the Presbytery of
Dublin, in the then old church of Mary's Abbey. Having
laboured a few months in the close of 1839 and the commencing
months of 1840 in the Home Mission service, he was asked
and urged by the Mission Board to accept ordination and
remain at least a year. He visited all the counties of
Leinster, Munster, and Connaught, and most of their leading
* The late Dr. John Brown, of Aghadoey, exerted himself much in
\ the erection of the congregations of Portrush and Portstewart.
218 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.
towns ; and resigned this service in the close of 1841. His
report to the Mission Board is published in the Minutes
of the (xeneral Assembly for that year, pages 9, 10, 11.
Of the thirty-three names appended to his call only three
or four sui'vive ; and not one of them is now in connection
with the congregation. They had then no church, and worship-
ped in the little Methodist chapel for nearly four years. Mr.
Simpson left for the United States of America in June, 1843,
and after an absence of about a year, in which he visited
some part of twenty-two States of the Union and both
Canadas, over fully 7,000 miles, he returned in the summer
of 1844, having succeeded in raising about =£1,150 (the
original church, with enclosure, cost d£l,263) for the erection
of the first Presbytei'ian church of Portrush. In September
of that year it was entered entirely free of debt. Very
able services were conducted at the opening by the E,ev.
Dr. Walter M'Gilvray, then of Glasgow, and afterwards
of Aberdeen. The famine in Ireland of 1846-47 made
openings for the truth in districts before sealed. A deputa-
tion to the United States was decided on, to raise money to
take advantage of these openings. Mr. Simpson, being
successful in a private enterprise, was asked on this deputa-
tion, along with the Eev. E. M. Dill, M.D., and left for
America again in November, 1848. Difficulties arising in
the congregation of Portrush, Mr. Simpson saw there must
be a manse ; and obtained leave from the Mission Board to
raise money for it when he finished their deputation work.
Di". Dill and he raised in about six months =£5,400 sterling,
which prepared the way years after for another deputation,
consisting of the Eev. Drs. Edgar, Samuel M. Dill, and
David Wilson, who succeeded in raising some ^86,000. Mr.
Simpson remained (after Dr. Dill's return) till the close of
1849, and raised over d£600 more for Portrush manse. On
Dr. Edward Dill's report to the General Assembly of 1849,
the thanks of the Assembly were presented to him and Mr.
Simpson. Portrush manse was built in 1850, and occupied
by Mr. Simpson in May, 1851, also entirely free of debt.
To complete the working machinery of the congregation a
schoolhouse was necessary ; and, after many difficulties, Mr.
Simpson received from the late Wilson Kennedy, Esq., d£150
sterling for that purpose ; and, supplemented by a few
friends, a schoolhouse, costing nearly =£200, was erected and
occupied in 1853, entirely free from debt. The marvellous
HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 219
Revival of 1859 came on, and the church was so packed it
was resolved to enlarge it. In the circumstances of the
country, the Presbytery declined to allow Mr. Simpson to pro-
ceed to America to raise the money. In Scotland he obtained
over dfiSOO ; in Ireland nearly <£500 ; and by a bazaar and
collections other <£500 were raised. The church was en-
larged to double its former capacity at an expense of about
d£l,500, and entered again in 1861 entirely free of debt.
The church property was held on a terminable lease of ninety
years, and a small lot was thrown in on the rere by opening a
new street. By waiting personally at Glenarm Castle on the
Kight Hon. the Earl of Antrim, Mr. Simpson obtained a
grant of the additional lot, and a promise of a lease for ever
on condition of erecting a teacher's house and a larger school-
room at an expense of at least .£600. Unable to fulfil the
conditions in the time, the whole property was imperilled,
when God, in His adorable providence, cut the gordian
knot, and removed the difl&culty. The second Council of the
great Presbyterian Alliance was to meet in Philadelphia in
October, 1880, and the minister of Portrush was appointed
a delegate. When his name appeared in the paper, William
Young, Esq., J. P., of Fenaghy, Ballymena, called on him
(Mr. Simpson) and pressed him to go, offering d£100 sterling
subscription and other advantages. He was pressed into
the service, and went again to America in October, 1880 ;
and after the grand meetings of the Council closed, started
the fourth tack of begging in the United States. And,
thank God, and the noble Christian people of that great
country, he succeeded in getting all that was needed. A
loan was obtained from the Board of Works, and a teacher's
house was built during his absence, and now all is complete at
another additional sum of over d£l,500, free of debt. The
schoolroom and lecture-hall are admittedly the finest in the
country, the stained glass window and reading-desk being
presented by Mr. Young. Now the whole congregational
property, costing over d£5,500, where there was neither
church, manse, or school, is all in beautiful order, and all
free of debt — first-class teachers, first-rate schools, and
overflowing congregations. Over all we inscribe : " What
hath God wrought T " Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us,
hut unto Thy name give glory I"
220 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.
EAMELTON 1st.
The first minister liere was Mr. Thomas Drummond, -who
was ordained by the Presbytery of Lagan, in 1654. He was
deposed by Leslie, bishop of Raphoe, in 1661, and was im-
prisoned in the castle of Lifford, where he remained for six
years, or till 1670. Mr. Drummond was in this charge in
1681, but his subsequent history is not known. The congre-
gation being without a minister, was afterwards joined to
Letterkenny, under the ministry of Mr. W. Liston. In
March, 1693, the people wrote, by advice of the Presbytery,
to Scotland, for Mr. Seth Drummond, probably son of their
former minister, and he appeared before the Presbytery, June
26th, 1696, with certificate of his license by the Presbytery of
Edinburgh. He was ordained at Ramelton, December 16th,
1696, the people promising him <£40, with 20 barrels of oats
for the first year, hoping to do better afterwards, and pro-
mising to build him a dwelling-house — at this time there were
six old elders remaining in the congregation. Mr. Drummond
died in this charge, September 4th, 1740, and was succeeded
by Mr. Thomas Vance, who was ordained here August 18th,
1 747. In 1 755 he was removed to the congregation of Usher's
Quay, Dublin, and was succeeded here by Mr. William Burke,
who was ordained July 25th, 1759. He died in this charge
January 9th, 1803, leaving a widow and family. Their next
minister was his son, Mr. William Burke, who was ordained
here, June 20th, 1804, having been previously licensed by
the Presbytery of Dublin. He resigned this charge, October
16th, 1805, and applying himself to the study of medicine,
became M.D., and died at Dundrum, near Dublin, on the 4th
of April, 1842, in the 64th year of his age. He was succeeded
as minister of Ramelton by Mr. Edward Reid, who was or-
dained here December 8th, 1806. Mr. Reid was brother of
the Rev. Dr. Reid, Professor of Ecclesiastical History in the
University of Glasgow, and author of the History of the
Presbyterian Church in Ireland. He was also father of Dr.
James Seaton Reid, Professor of Materia Medica in Queen's
College, Belfast. Mr. Reid died February 11th, 1838, and
was succeeded by Mr. James Reid, who was ordained here
September 13th, 1838. He had been previously connected
with the Covenanting Church, and was not related to Mr. E.
Reid. Mr. Reid resigned this charge on the 30th of August,
1860 ; and was succeeded by Mr. W. C. Robinson, who was
HISTORY OF CONGKEGATIONS. 221
ordained here on the 28th of August, 1861, and who resigned
the charge on the 7th of March, 1862, on his removal to
Ballykelly, He was succeeded by Mr. Joseph T. Megaw,
who was ordained here on the 18th of September, 1862. On
his appointment as a Professor in Magee College, Mr. Megaw
resigned this charge on the 3rd of October, 1865 ; and was
succeeded by Mr. R. S. Campbell, who was ordained here on
the 30th of March, 1866. On the 15th of November, 1870,
Mr. Campbell was set aside for misconduct ; and on the
21st of February, 1872, the Rev. W. D. Wallace was installed
as pastor.
RAMOAN.
The first minister of this congregation was Mr. Daniel
M'Neill. He was here in 1646, but was irregular in his
conduct towards the Presbytery. At the Restoration he
conformed, and was admitted vicar of Ramoan on the 12th
of September, 1661, For a considerable time afterwards we
hear of no minister in this district. At length, in 1700, Mr.
Thomas Elder was ordained. He died in 1703. The next
minister here was Mr. John Mairs, who was ordained by the
Presbytery of Route May 24th, 1704. He died in this
charge June 25th, 1723. The next minister was Mr. Samuel
Dunlop, who had been minister at Athlone, and was settled
here early in 1724. This charge he demitted in 1733, when
he removed to Connaught. He was succeeded by Mr. Robert
Brown, who was ordained here by the Pi'esbytery of Route
June 6th, 1738. He died in this charge May 18th, 1767;
and was succeeded by Mr. William Lynd, who was ordained
here June 11th, 1770. Becoming infirm, Mr. John Simms
was ordained his assistant and successor July 28th, 1805.
Mr. Lynd died in 1822. Mr. Simms becoming infirm, Mr.
W. G. Boyd was ordained his assistant and successor on the
17th of November, 1853. Mr. Simms died on the 7th of
January, 1866.
RANDALSTOWN 1st.
The earliest notice we find of this congregation is in
February, 1655, when commissioners appeared from Drumaul
praying the Presbytery, or Meeting of Antrim, to supply them
with preaching. In October, 1655, Messrs. John Shaw and
Hugh M' Atchison, commissioners, present a call to the
Presbytery for Mr. John Couthart ; and in December follow-
222 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.
ing, Messrs. James Duncan and John Parker, commissioners,
present a bond from eleven in the parish, securing ^650 a-year
stipend, with a sufficient house, and fourteen acres of glebe,
" convenient near to the church or preaching-house of the
parish," which was, however, not yet built. In February,
1656, they state that they had "settled on the place where
their preaching-house should be built, to wit, at the iron-
works ;" and on the 21st of May, 1656, Mr. John Couthart
was ordained to this charge at Drumaul ; and at this meeting
" the parishioners of Drumaul were spoken to concerning
building of their preaching-house, which they undertake to
fall effectually about shortly, and would have been about it
ere now, were it not for losing the season of the bark, they
would not have liberty of wood." Mr. Couthart was here in
1658, but his subsequent history is unknown. In July, 1671,
we find Mr. Richard Wilson supplying the place as proba-
tioner. He was ordained to this charge at Broughshane on
June 5 th, 1672. The Prelatic party then endeavoured to
prevent Presbyterian ordinations, and threatened those con-
cerned in them with heavy penalties, which accounts for the
ordination taking place in comparative privacy, not at
Randalstown, but many miles distant. Mr. Gowan, of
Antrim, preached and presided at the ordination. Mr.
Wilson died in June, 1685, having an arrear of d£80 due him.
In October following the people gave a call to his son, Mr.
John Wilson ; but the arrear due to his mother not being
paid, and the people dividing with respect to himself in
March, 1687, he returned the call, with permission of the
Presbytery, " seeing that there were 200 persons for Mr.
Wilson and about 120 dissenting, and that of the d880 due
to Mrs. Wilson there were only .£20 paid, and but £6 given
to Mr. Wilson for his pains among them for the last two
years." In November following, however, these differences
being partly healed, they gave him a new call, and he was
ordained here May 2nd, 1688, Mr. D. Cunningham, of Connor,
preaching and presiding. At this time the congregation had
two separate places of meeting ; but, requiring a new house,
the parties could not agree on a central position. In
September following, however, they agreed to have it built
three-quarters of a mile out of town, and that it should be
forthwith erected. But disputes continuing among the people
on this head, in November, 1690, Mr. Wilson wished to
demit his charge, " because of the division about the meet-
HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 223
ing-bouse and other inconveniences which resulted from that."
He continued in it, notwithstanding, till his death, which
happened in the beginning of the year 1694. His successor
was Mr, William Taylor, who was ordained here May 26th,
1697. Their payments to him were as irregular and scanty
as to his predecessor. In 1718 his case became so urgent
that the Presbytery of Antrim complained to the Synod that
they had used all their diligence with the congregation to
induce them to advance something to Mr. Taylor, but
without success, though the people had no exceptions to
make against him, but esteemed him much. He died in this
charge in November, 1727. In 1732 the congregation
divided respecting a call to Mr. William Henderson. The
Presbytery of Templepatrick sustained the call, and the
minority appealed to the Synod. On this occasion the com-
missioners from the majority were Colonel O'Hara, Clot-
worthy O'Neill, Esq., Mr. Henry M'Cullough, and Lieutenant
Dobbin. The Synod sustained the call also, and Mr.
Henderson was ordained here by the Presbytery of Temple-
patrick October 12th, 1732. He demitted his charge here in
1743 ; and was succeeded by Mr. James White, who was
ordained here by the Presbytery of Ballymena Api*il 28th,
1747. He died October 30th, 1781, leaving no family. He
was succeeded by Mr. Thomas Henry, son of Mr. William
Henry, minister of Comber, County Down. Mr. Thomas
Henry,* who was ordained here June 19th, 1786, was father of
the late Eev. P. S. Henry, D.D., President of Queen's College,
Belfast. Becoming infirm, Mr. Henry resigned the charge
of the congregation in 1823. In consequence of great dis-
putes relative to the choice of his successor, the congregation
was put under the care of a Committee of Synod, who
ordained as his assistant and successor Mr. Archibald
Jamieson, on the 11th of April, 1826. Mr. Henry died on
the 30th of August, 1830 ; and Mr. Jamieson died on the
18th of March, 1835. After many disputes, the Eev.
Alexander Crawford, who had been a member of the Associate
Synod in Scotland and a missionary in India, was installed
here by a Committee of Synod on the 3rd of January, 1837.
Mr. Crawford died on the 4th of April, 1856. The Eev.
James Brown Huston had been installed as his assistant and
successor in February, 1856. Mr. Huston, on his removal
* Mr. Henry acted as a medical practitioner j and was commonly
known as Doctor Henry,
224 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.
to Aghadoey, resigned this charge on the 1st of December,
1874 ; and was succeeded by Mr. James E. Ferguson, who
was ordained here on the 23rd of March, 1875.
EAPHOE 1st.
This congregation is one of the early Pi'esbyterian settle-
ments of Ulster. Old Bishop Knox, who was placed in the
Episcopal See about the time of the Plantation of Ulster,
encouraged Scotchmen to become tenants on the Episcopal
lands ; and thus it is that to this very day so many of the
farmers in the parish are Presbyterians. The meeting-house
was originally built at Convoy ; and until about the middle
of the last century, there was no Presbyterian place of worship
at Raphoe. About that time Raphoe was erected into a se-
parate congregation, and the old congregation was henceforth
known by the name of Convoy. The first minister of the
newly-erected congregation of Raphoe was Mr. James Gordon
who had formerly been minister of Castleblayney, and who
was installed here in the month of August, 1751. He died
in this charge in 1785, and was succeeded by Mr. William
Ramsay, who was ordained here on the 24th of August, 1786.
Mr. Ramsay died on the 16th of April, 1827, and was suc-
ceeded by Mr. W. D. Killen (now D.D.), who was ordained
here on the 1 1th of November, 1829. Shortly afterwards a
series of misfortunes befel Episcopacy in Raphoe. One of
the Episcopal clergy became demented, and another fled from
the place on the evening of the Lord's Day to escape his
creditors. On the morning of another Sabbath, the over-
heating of the flues set fire to the cathedral ; and the building
was so much injured that nearly a year elapsed before it was
again fit for service. Meanwhile the Episcopalians had the
use of the Presbyterian meeting-house. About the same
time the bishopric was suppressed by Act of Parliament ; and
shortly afterwards the beautiful Episcopal palace, built by
Bishop Leslie two hundred years before, was burnt to the
grovmd. In 1841 Mr. Killen resigned the charge of this
congregation on his appointment as Professor of Ecclesiastical
History in Belfast ; and he was succeeded by Mr. John
Thomson, who was ordained here on the 19th of January,
1843. Shortly after the settlement of Mr. Thomson in this
charge the second congregation was organised. The old
place of worship, built fully a century before, had meanwhile
HISTORY OF CONaREGATIONS. 225
become somewhat delapidated ; and under the ministry of
Mr. Thomson a new and handsome Presbyterian Church has
been erected on the site of the former edifice. Mr. Thomson
having become infirm, Mr. John A. Bain was ordained his
assistant on the 12th of August, 1884.
EATHFEILAND 1st.
The first minister of whom we have any account here was
Mr. Alexander Gordon. He was in this charge in 1679, and
continued in it after the Revolution. In 1708, the Presby-
tery of Armagh divided the congregation, one part to meet
at Rathfriland, and the other to be formed into a new con-
gregation at Ballyroney. Mr. Gordon died, February 11th,
1709, and was succeeded by Mr. Robert Gordon, who was
ordained here March 27th, 1711, and died in this charge
April 10th, 1762. He was succeeded by Mi*. Samuel Barber,
who was ordained here, May 3rd, 1763. He died in this
charge, September 5th, 1811, leaving a widow and family.
The next minister was Mr. John White, ordained here Sep-
tember 21st, 1813. He died here April 2nd, 1836 ; and was
succeeded by Mr. William Rossborough, who was ordained
here by the Presbytery of Newry, October 24th, 1837. Mr.
Rossborough having received a call from the Free Church
Congregation of East Campbell Street, Glasgow, resigned the
charge of Rathfriland on the 13th of July, 1858, and was
succeeded by the Rev. Henry Osborne, formerly minister of
Granshaw, who was installed here on the 22nd of February,
1859. In the summer of 1862, Mr. Osborne removed to the
congregation of Second Holywood. He was succeeded by
Mr. James Wilson (now LL.D.), who was ordained here on
the 29th September, 1863.
RAT 1st.
This parish was early settled with Presbyterians. In
1644 the Covenant was administered here to great multi-
tudes. In 1647 Mr. Hugh Cunningham, who had in 1642
come over as chaplain to Glencairn's regiment, was settled
here. He was deposed by the Bishop of Raphoe in 1661 ;
but we are ignorant of what afterwards happened to him.
Mr. Robert Campbell was settled minister here in 1671. We
find him preaching in Burt on the 28th of February, 1678,
o
226 HISTOKY OF CONGEEGATIONS.
and baptizing the infant daughter of Mr. Hempton, the
minister there. Mr. Campbell fled to Scotland during the
troubles connected with the Revolution, but afterwards
returned to his charge in June, 1691, where he continued till
his death, October 5th, 1722. He was succeeded by Mr.
Patrict Vance, who was ordained here as assistant and
successor to Mr. Campbell December 23rd, 1719. Mr. Vance
died in this charge January 2nd, 1741. The next minister
was Mr. William Laird, who was ordained here May 15th,
1744. Mr. Laird was son of the Rev. Francis Laird, minister
of Donoughmore, near Strabane, and lineal ancestor of Sir
Thomas M'Clure, Bart., Belmont, Belfast. Mr. Laird was
removed from Ray to Rosemary Street congregation, Belfast,
in 1747. In 1752 the congregation complained to the Synod
of Ulster that the Seceders had seized their meeting-house,
and that they had been at great expense in prosecuting a
suit for its recovery.* In 1754 Mr. James Turretine was
removed here from Tobermore, and installed on the 13th of
June of that year. He died in this charge July 21st, 1764,
leaving a widow and family. He was succeeded, after
a long vacancy, by Mr. Francis Turretine — probably his
son, for whom they had waited — who was ordained here
January 18th, 1775. In 1778 he removed to Mountnorris ;
and was succeeded by Mr. Isaac Barr, who was soon after
ordained here, and who removed to Killala in 1780. The
congregation now continued vacant for many years. At
length, on the 19th of November, 1795, Mr. Francis Dill was
ordained to this charge by the Presbytery of Letterkenny.
Mr. Dill and his congregation were subsequently annexed to
the Presbytery of Route ; but in 1825 they were re-annexed
to the Presbytery of Letterkenny. On October 14th, 1829,
Mr. Dill resigned this charge, and removed to Clough, Co.
Down. He was succeeded by Mr. John Brown, jun., who
was ordained here by the Presbytery of Letterkenny March
11th, 1830. Mr. Brown was brother to the celebrated poetess,
Frances Brown. He died in this charge November 2nd,
1854 ; and was succeeded by Mr. Robert M'Morris, who was
ordained here on the 14th of June, 1855.
* The house, when recovered, was quite too large for the congrega-
tion. A new church was built upwards of forty years ago.
HISTORY OF CONGEEGATIONS. 227
EICHHILL.
This congregation continued united to Yinecash till 1823,
after the resignation of Mr. Eeid, the minister there. The
people then applied to the Synod of Ulster to be erected into
a separate congregation, and their request was granted.
Their first minister was Mr. James Sinclair, who was ordained
here on the 23rd of December, 1824. The congregation
obtained Becjium Domim in the third class, or £,50 late Irish
currency, about seven years afterwards. On the 3rd of May,
1836, Mr. Sinclair resigned this congregation, as well as the
office of the ministry, and engaged in secular pursuits. The
next minister was Mr. James Patterson, formerly minister of
Gralla, near Eathfriland, belonging to the Scotch Seceders.
He was installed here on the 1st of March, 1838. On the
7th of May, 1847, Mr. Patterson died of fever; and on the
16th of December of the same year Mr. Andrew M'Aldin
was ordained to the pastoral charge.
SAINTFIELD 1st.
This congregation was originally called Tannaghnive. The
first minister was Mr. Alexander Hutchinson, who was sus-
pended by Bishop Jeremy Taylor in 1661. In 1690 he was
removed to Capel Street, Dublin, where he continued till
April, 1692, when his relation to that congregation was
loosed on account of his ill health. At the Synod of 1691
there were commissioners from Saintfield — viz.. Captain
Gawin Hamilton, Messrs. Robert Ross, Robert Kyle, John
Hamilton, and others, supplicating the retui'n of Mr.
Hutchinson, and the Synod of 1692 granted the application.
He now continued here till his death in 1711. His successor
was Mr. Archibald Dixon, who came from Scotland in 1705,
and was received as a probationer, having been licensed by
the Presbytery of Hamilton. He was ordained here by the
Presbytery of Down April 19th, 1709, as assistant and
successor to Mr. Hutchinson. In 1714 two townlands, called
Munlagh and Tullygarvan, were taken from Comber and
annexed to this congregation. Mr. Dixon died in this charge
in March, 1739. He was succeeded by Mr. James Rainey,
who was ordained by the Presbytery of Bangor March 8th,
1743. He died in this charge January 20th, 1745 ; and was
succeeded by Mr. Richard Walker, who was ordained here
228 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.
July 28tli, 1747. He died in this cTiarge January 20th,
1774 ; and was succeeded by Mr. Thomas Leslie Birch, who
was ordained May 21st, 1776. He removed to America in
November, 1798. Their next minister was Mr. Henry
Simpson, who was ordained here December 10th, 1799. Mr.
Birch died at his residence near Washington, Pennsylvania,
on the 12th of April, 1828, aged 74 years. On the 23rd of
May, 1843, Mr. James Wallace was ordained assistant and
successor to Mr. Simpson. On the 2nd of September, 1846,
Mr. Wallace resigned the charge of the congregation to
become missionary to India; and on the 16th of December
following the Rev. Eobert M'Ewen was installed as Mr.
Simpson's assistant. In June, 1853, Mr. M'Ewen was set
aside and subsequently deposed ; and on the 21st of February,
1854, the Eev. Samuel Hamilton, formerly minister of Conlig,
was installed here. Mr. Simpson died on the 22nd October,
1849.
SCEIGGAN.
This congregation was erected off Boveva about 1773.
The first minister was Mr. John Adams, who was ordained
by the Presbytery of Derry on the 18th of May, 1774. He
died in this charge on the 8th of June, 1789. He was suc-
ceeded by Mr. Robert Steel, who was ordained here on the
first Tuesday of November, 1790. In 1798 it was reported
to the Synod that " Mr. Steel had pleaded guilty to a charge
of treason and rebellion before a court-martial; and his
name was erased from the list of the Presbytery." He was
succeeded by Mr. Joseph Osborne, formerly minister of
Corboy, who was installed here on the 4th of June, 1799.
He soon afterwards removed to Newtownards. The next
minister was Mr. Andrew M'Caldin, who was ordained here
on the 8th of March, 1803. In December, 1804, he removed
to Stratford-on-Slaney, and he afterwards was settled in
Coleraine. He was succeeded by Mr. John Mitchell, who
was ordained here on the 19th of March, 1805. In August,
1819, he removed to Londonderry. The next minister was
Mr. Robert Gray, who was ordained here on the 21st of
December, 1819. He resigned this charge in 1833, and
removed to Burt. The next minister was Mr. Joseph
Gibson, who was ordained here on the 17th of June, 1834.
In 1856 the Presbytery asked leave for the congregation to
choose an assistant and successor ; and on the 13th of May
HISTORY OP CONGREGATIONS. 229
Mr. William Reid Black was ordained to tlie pastoral charge.
In May, 1864, Mr. Black was suspended ; and Mr. Samuel
Thomson was then ordained in his stead.
SPA, Balltnahinch.
The place now known as Spa, about two miles from
Ballynahinch, has long been famous for its medicinal waters,
Harris, in his book on County Down, written in 1744, thus
speaks of it : — " Its virtues hitherto found out by experience
appear to resemble those of other sulphureous waters,
particularly in its great eflacacy in scorbutic disorders, both by
bathing in and drinking the waters, of which there happened
a remarkable instance some years since of a Dissenting
minister, who came to this well overrun with leprous-like
eruptions on the skin, which had rendered his joints so rigid
that he could neither hold his bridle nor feed himself. He
returned home supple and clean after having drank the water
and bathed in it a month." Every summer not a few, with
a view to the improvement of their health, take up their
abode for weeks together at the Spa ; but for a long time
invalids complained of its distance from a Presbyterian place
of worship. Persons in delicate health, though desirous to
attend regularly on ordinances, could not safely venture on
a rainy Sabbath, or a sultry summer's day, to walk two Irish
miles to the nearest sanctuary. The people in the immediate
neighbourhood were not prepared to attempt the erection of
a church, as they were not in affluent circumstances. At
length a Christian gentleman, who was in the habit of visiting
the Spa, solved the difficulty. The late Robert M'Quiston,
Esq., of Belfast, offered to give d81,000 for the purpose.* A
handsome Presbyterian church, built entirely at his own
expense, and occupying a central position, now excites the
admiration of every one who visits the locality. A manse
for the residence of the minister — to which also Mr.
M'Quiston most generously contributed — has recently been
completed. The congregation has been recognised by the
Assembly ; and on the 5th of May, 1874, Mr. William
Wilson was ordained to the pastoral charge. The church
* Mr. M'Quiston, who was a member of Linen Hall Street Presby-
terian Church, Belfast, gave large donations to religious objects ; and
by his will devoted several thousands of pounds to the erection cf a
Presbyterian church in the neighbourhood of his own residence.
230 HISTORY OP CONGREGATIONS.
has proved a great blessing to the people of the neighbour-
hood ; and its crowded appearance every Sabbath, especially
during the summer months, attests how much it was required.
Mr. Wilson, on his removal to Greenock, resigned this
charge on the 2nd of July, 1879 ; and was succeeded by Mr.
James Knowles, who was ordained here on the 30th of
December of the same year.
STEWARTSTOWN 1st.
This congregation formed originally a part of Brigh. In
1788 a petition from 100 persons — twenty-three of whom
formerly belonged to Brigh — was presented to the Synod of
Ulster, stating that they were building a meeting-house
in Stewartstown, and supplicating to be erected into a
distinct congregation. The concession was not immediately
made ; but in 1789, when Mr. David Park appeared as com-
missioner, the request was granted. Their first minister was
Mr. William Henry, who was ordained here on the 23rd of
March, 1790. He resigned this charge on the 5th of January,
1791, and removed to Armagh. He was succeeded by Mr.
James Adams, who was ordained on the 6th of December,
1791. Mr. Adams died here on the 26th of December, 1801,
leaving a widow and family. The next minister was Mr.
Moses Chambers, who was ordained on the 7th of September,
1802. Mr. Chambers died on the 20th of August, 1813,
leaving a widow and family. He was succeeded by Mr.
Eobert Allen, who was ordained on the 7th of June, 1814.
Mr. Allen, on his appointment as Superintendent of the
Connaught Mission, resigned this charge ; and on the 31st
of July, 1849, Mr. Isaiah N. Harkness was ordained his
successor. Mr. Allen died on the 1st of April, 1865. Mr.
Harkness becoming infirm, Mr. J. A. Campbell, a licentiate
of the Presbytery of Athlone, was ordained as his assistant
and successor on the 20th of August, 1885. Mr. Harkness
died on the 23rd of October following.
ST. JOHNSTONE.
This congregation originated in the divisive courses of
Mr. William Cray, who had been minister of Taughboyne,
and had removed to Usher's Quay, Dublin. Resigning
Usher's Quay, he returned to the North, and erected a con-
HISTORY OP CONGREGATIONS. 231
gregation in the village of St. Johnstone, near Deny, in an
irregulai* manner. For this he was deposed. The people
returned to the Synod of Ulster in 1731 ; and, after profess-
ing sorrow for their disorderly proceedings, were recognised
as a congregation, and annexed to the Presbytery of Derry.
In 1732 Mr. M'Clintock stated to the Synod that there were
160 families, who could pay =£40 per annum to a minister.
Their first minister was Mr. Thomas Bond, who was ordained
here by the Presbytery of Derry August 20th, 1734. Mr.
Bond died February 22nd, 1785. Mr. William Cunningham
was ordained JSTovember 11th, 1783, as his assistant and
successor. When Mr. Cunningham became infirm, Mr.
Joseph M'Conaghy was ordained as his assistant and suc-
cessor on the 12th of December, 1834. Mr. Cunningham
died April 16th, 1836. Mr. M'Conaghy died on the 31st of
December, 1875 ; and was succeeded by Mr. Francis
Chambers, who was ordained here on the 7th of December,
1876.
STONEBEIDGE.
This congregation was at first known by the name of
Clonis. Its first minister was Mr. Patrick Dunlop, who was
here in 1700. He had previously supplied for a time the
parish of Kirkowen in Scotland. In 1704 he demitted the
charge of this congregation on account of bodily indisj)osition.
He was succeeded by Mr. Alexander Fleming, who was
ordained here on the 8th of May, 1706. He died in this
charge on the 13th of October, 1750. The next minister was
Mr. William Smith, who was ordained here by the Presby-
tery of Cootehill on the 26th of August, 1752. He died on
the 7th of May, 1786. He was succeeded by Mr. James
Whiteside, who was ordained here on the 5th of September,
1787. Mr. Whiteside died in this charge on the 20th of
December, 1802, leaving a widow and family. The next
minister was Mr. Archibald Meharg, who was ordained here
on the 5th of June, 1804. On the 30th of November, 1819,
the Presbytery of Monaghan suspended Mr. Meharg for
various irregularities ; and they subsequently dissolved the
connection between him and the congregation. He was suc-
ceeded here by Mr. William White, who was ordained on the
18th of December, 1820. After a long pastorate, Mr. White
retired in 1874 from the performance of the active duties of
the ministry ; and on the 19th of June of that year his son.
232 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.
Mr. W. F. White, who had previously been minister of
Westport, was installed as assistant and successor to his
father. On the 25th of October, 1875, Mr. W. F. White
resigned this charge on his appointment to the Mission
Station of Lucan ; and on the 2nd of November of the same
year his father died. On the 11th of April, 1876, Mr. Moses
Paul Kenny was ordained as minister of Stonebridge. Mr.
Kenny died on the 2nd of July, 1880 ; and was succeeded by
Mr. R. T. Megaw, who was ordained here on the 7th of
December, 1880. Mr. Megaw, on his removal to Carrowdore,
resigned this charge on the 12th of June, 1883 ; and was
succeeded by Mr. James White, who was installed here on
the 15th of July, 1884.
STEABANE 1st.
The first minister of Strabane on record is Mr. Robert
Wilson, who was ordained here in 1659. He died in the city
of Derry during the siege in 1689, having fled there for
safety. His successor was Mr. William Holmes. He was
born in Ireland, but had emigrated to New England, from
which he returned in July, 1691, and having produced to the
Presbytery of Lagan satisfactory testimonials, he was received
by them, and having gone through second trials, was ordained
December 21st, 1692. He was married to the daughter of
Mr. Craighead, minister of Derry. In 1715 he demitted
this charge, and again returned to New England. Id 1716
the people applied to the Synod of Ulster for suj^plies, stating
their reason for this step to be " that the place is of such
consequence as to require particular regard." The applica-
tion was granted, the congregation promising to jjay each of
the supplies ten shillings every Lord's day, and to bear their
expenses while with them. They soon after obtained Mr.
Victor Ferguson as their minister. He had been licensed by
the Presbytery of Derry in 1713, and was ordained by the
Presbytery of Convoy to this charge April 24th, 1717. The
same year the Presbytery of Strabane was erected, of which
consequently this congregation formed a part. Mr. Ferguson
died in this charge May 15th, 1763, leaving a widow, but no
family. He bequeathed a house and farm to his successors,
which they still enjoy. Their next minister was Mr. William
Crawford, who was ordained here February 6th, 1766. Mr.
Crawford was great-great-grandson of Mr. Stewart, minister
HISTORY OF CONGBEGATIONS. 233
of Donegore, one of the fathers of the Presbyterian Church
in Ireland. He wrote a " History of Ireland," and several
other works. Mr. Crawford taught an academy in Strabane,
one department of which was a species of collegiate institute,
at which several ministers of the Synod of Ulster, and
among the rest the late Rev. James Houston, of Ballindreat,
received all their theological training. In October, 1798, Dr.
Crawford i*esigned the charge of Strabane, and removed to
Holywood. He was succeeded by Mr. William Dunlop,
formerly minister at Badoney, who was installed here
November 10th, 1798. Becoming infirm, Mr. John Adams,
formerly minister of Monaghan, was installed here his
assistant and successor August 31st, 1820. Mr. Dunlop
died November 24th, 1821, leaving a widow and family. On
the 30th of June, 1827, Mr. Adams resigned the charge of
this congregation, and died December 17th, 1827. He was
succeeded by Mr. William Mulligan, who was ordained here
March 20th, 1828. Mr. Mulligan resigned the charge of this
congregation on the 1st of August, 1832, having been ap-
pointed Professor of Mathematics in the Eoyal Belfast
Institution. Their next minister was Mr. Alexander Porter
Goudy, formerly minister of Glastry, who was installed here
March 20th, 1833. Mr. Mulligan was drowned while bathing
at Loughbrickland, on the 7th of August, 1834. Dr. Goudy,
who possessed much influence in the General Assembly, and
who was Moderator in 1857, died December 14th, 1858. One
hundred ministers are said to have been present at his
funeral. He was succeeded by Mr. James Gibson, who was
ordained Sej^tember 26th, 1859.* Mr. Gibson (now D.D.), on
his removal to Perth, resigned this charge early in 1873 ;
and was succeeded by Mr. John MacDermott, formerly of
Armoy, who was installed here on the 11th of December of
the same year. Mr. MacDermott, on his removal to Belmont,
resigned this charge on the 3rd November, 1880 ; and was
succeeded by Mr. John Irwin, who was ordained here on the
29th of September, 1881.
STRANOKLAE 1st.
The first account we have of this congregation is in con-
nection with the ordination of Mr. Robert Wilson, who was
* The present excellent church was erected during the ministry of
Mr. Gibson.
234 HISTORY OP CONGREGATIONS.
settled here on the 25th of June, 1709. In 1729 the people
state that they are not able to pay above d£9 per annum, and
beg an increase of their allowance from the General Fund.
The Regium Bonutii, then amounting only to .£1,200 per
annum, was handed over, in a lump sum, to certain ministers,
as trustees for the rest ; and some in poor frontier congrega-
tions obtained a larger share of it than those in more highly
favoured districts. Mr. Wilson resigned this charge in 1727.
In that year the Synod thought the congregation ought to be
dissolved on accoimt of its poverty. Mr. Wilson appears
afterwards to have resumed the charge of the congregation,
as he was here in 1735, but we do not know the date of his
death. The next minister was Mr. Joseph Kinkead, who
was ordained here September 4th, 1745. In 1755 he removed
to Killinchy. After a long vacancy, Mr. Joseph Love was
ordained here on the 16th of June, 1767. He died September
26th, 1807, leaving a family. He was succeeded by Mr.
James Nelson, who was ordained here November 2nd, 1808.
Becoming infirm, Mr. James Steele (afterwards D.D.) was
ordained as his assistant and successor on the 8th of
November, 1821. Mr. Nelson died in September, 1826,
leaving neither widow nor family. Dr. Steele died on the
17th of June, 1859 ; and on the 28th of December following
Mr. Hugh Clarke Graham was ordained to the pastoral
charge. Mr. Graham having fallen into delicate health, Mr.
William John Macaulay was ordained as his assistant on the
14th of October, 1874. Mr. Graham, on his subsequent
appointment as a Professor in Magee College, resigned this
charge on August 7th, 1878. Mr. Macaulay, on his removal
to Portadown, resigned this charge on the 15th December,
1 880 ; and was succeeded by Mr. James Curry, who was
ordained here on the 11th of May, 1881.
TANDRAGEE.
This congregation was erected in 1825. Its first minister
was Mr. Richard Dill, son of the Rev. Richard Dill, of
Knowhead, who was ordained here on the 17th of December,
1829. In May, 1835, Mr. Dill resigned the charge of this
congregation, and removed to Usher's Quay, Dublin. He
was succeeded by Mr. James Bell, who was ordained here on
the 3rd of December, 1835. Becoming infirm, Mr. William
M'Mordie, formerly an Indian missionary, was installed as
HISTORY OP CONGREGATIONS. 235
his assistant and successoi' on the 27th of September, 1882.
Mr. M'Mordie, on his removal to Mourne, resigned this
charge in the spring of 1886.
TEMPLEPATEICK.
The first minister here was Mr. Josias Welsh, son of the
celebrated John Welsh, minister of Ayr, and consequently
grandson to John Knox, the great Scottish Reformer ; as
John Welsh was married to Elizabeth, the Reformer's third
daughter. Mr. Josias Welsh was educated at Geneva ; and
on his return to his native country, was appointed Professor
of Humanity in the University of Glasgow. He came over
to Ireland in 1626, where he was ordained to the ministry by
his kinsman Knox, Bishop of Raphoe, and settled at Temple-
patrick. The people of the country called him " The Cock of
the Conscience," from his extraordinary awakening and
rousing gift. He died of consumption in 1634. The people
now remained destitute of a pastor till 1646, when Mr.
Anthony Kennedy was ordained here by the Presbytery of
Antrim on the 30th of October. Mr. Ferguson, of Antrim,
preached and presided. There were present the Rev. Messrs.
Adair, of Cairncastle ; Buttle, of Ballymena ; and Cunning-
ham, of Broadisland. Mr. Kennedy was imprisoned by the
Republican party, and deposed by Taylor, Bishop of Down
and Connor. He nevertheless continued in the country, and
preached to his people as he had opportunity. In 1688 he
stated, in a memorial to the Presbytery, that " in considera-
tion of his age and thereby of his infirmity and weakness of
body, whereby he is disabled from any part of his ministerial
work, except it be to preach now and then, as he is helped,
and that he cannot catechise, visit families or sick when
necessary, he now gives up the charge of his present flock,
first to Christ, and then to his Presbytery, for their future
supply." The Presbytery, however, did not accept his demis-
sion, and he continued in this charge till his death, which
took place December 11th, 1697, when he had reached the
age of 83. In the beginning of 1699 the people called Mr.
James Kirkpatrick, son of Mr. H. Kirkpatrick, minister of
Ballymoney, and he was ordained here in August, 1699.
Mr. Kirkpatrick, who was the author of the well-known book
called " Presbyterian Loyalty," removed to Belfast in 1706.
In June, 1707, at the request of Mr. Upton, ancestor of the
236 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.
present Lord Templetown, the congregation was transferred
from the Presbytery of Belfast to the Presbytery of Antrim.
Mr. Upton was a zealous Presbyterian, and a staunch advocate
of Orthodoxy. Mr. Kirkpatrick was succeeded in Temple-
patrick by Mr. William Livingston, who was ordained here
March 30th, 1709. He resigned in 1755 from infirmity.
Mr. Livingston was a zealous minister, a firm Calvinist, and
a correspondent of the Scottish historian, Wodrow. In
August, 1755, Mr. Robert White was ordained his assistant
and successor. Mr. Livingston died September 1st, 1758.
Mr. White died August 14th, 1772, leaving a widow, who
was forty-two years on the Widows' Fund. The next
minister was Mr. John Abernethy, formerly minister of
Ballywillan, who was installed here August 12th, 1774. He
resigned the charge January, 1 796 ; and was succeeded by
Mr. Eobert Campbell, who was ordained December 20th,
1796. On the 4th of May, 1802, Mr. Abernethy was deposed
from the ministerial office for celebrating marriages irregu-
lai-ly. Mr. Cami^bell, having seceded from the Synod of
Ulster, with a part of the congregation, the remainder con-
tinued under the care of the Synod ; and Mr. John Carson
was ordained to the pastoral charge May 26th, 1831. Mr.
Carson died on the 5th of August, 1859 ; and on the 27th of
December of the same year the Rev. Hugh M'C. Hamilton
was ordained to the pastoral charge of the congregation.
TOBERMORE.
An attempt was made in 1736 to induce the Synod of
Ulster to erect a congregation here. As it was considered
that the congregation of Maghera would thereby be seriously
injured, the application was in the first instance unsuccessful.
But it was renewed the year following ; and the commis-
sioners who urged it, and among whom were Messrs. Samuel
Fulton and Alexander Black, made out such a strong case
that the Synod agreed to sanction the erection. It was
urged that some of the people were at least eight miles from
Maghera. The boundaries of the new congregation were to
be the Mayola River, from Newforge Bridge to Corrin
Bridge. In 1743 nineteen families in Ballynahone, formerly
belonging to Maghera, were annexed to this congregation,
and the names of the heads of these families were John
Bell, Thomas Jamieson, William M'Master, Jo. Laverty,
HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 237
Eoger Laverty, William Henderson, Jo. M' Allen, John
Fulton, Jo. Paul, jun. ; Widow Hunter, James Paul, Robert
Paul, Samuel Young, James Young, Jo. Ewings, Robert
Ewings, Andrew Ewings, James Phillips, and Samuel Neilly.
They at last obtained for their minister Mr. James Turretine,
who was ordained here by the Presbytery of Tyrone on the
5th of June, 1744. He demitted this charge in 1748, but
again consented to become their minister, and was installed
here by the Presbytery of Tyrone early in the year 1750.
In 1754, however, he finally removed from this place, and
settled in Ray. Their nest minister was Mr. James White-
side, who was ordained here on the 1st of August, 1757. He
died on the 23rd of March, 1798, leaving a family ; and was
succeeded by Mr. Alexander Carson, who was ordained here
on the 11th of December, 1798. In May, 1805, Mr. Carson
withdrew from the Presbyterian Church, and joined the
Baptists. Mr. Carson (afterwards D.D.) was a minister of
great ability, and a distinguished controversial writer ; but,
notwithstanding, his new views have since made very little
progress in the country. His withdrawal from the Presby-
terian Church led to a long and expensive lawsuit relative to
the property of the meeting-house; but the Synod eventually
succeeded in securing possession of it. The next minister
was Mr. William Brown, who was oi-dained here on the 20th
of November, 1810. Mr. Brown died on the 19th of April,
1860 ; and he was succeeded by Mr. William Anderson, who
was ordained here on the 29th of June of the same year.
On the 1st of July, 1867, Mr. Anderson resigned this
charge ; and on the 30th of September of the same year Mr.
James A. Eobson was ordained to the ministry in this con-
gregation. Mr. Robson died on the 27th of February, 1884;
and was succeeded by Mr. Marcus Stevenson, who was
ordained here on the 7th of May, 1884.
TULLAJVIORE, King's Co.
Birr, Parsonstown, was for many years the only Presby-
terian church in King's County. Tullamore is the second.
The first step to establish the Presbyterian cause in this the
Assize town of the county was on 5th June, 1856, when Dr.
James Coulter, an elder from Adelaide Road, Dublin, who
had come to reside in Tullamore, and Mr. Oliver Dobbin,
of the Bank of Ireland, appeared before the Athlone Presby-
238 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.
tery at Corboy with a petition from twelve families, repre-
senting forty-eight individuals in and around Tullamore,
praying to be organised into a congregation of the General
Assembly, and offering at least <£20 for the support of a
minister. The prayer of the memorial was granted, a house
in the town rented, two rooms made into one and fitted up
for worship, and soon after supplies were sent them. On
September 28th, 1856, they gave a unanimous call to Mr,
Samuel Kelly, a licentiate of Bailieboro' Presbytery ; and on
3rd December following Mr. Kelly was ordained the first
minister of the congregation. After labouring here with
acceptance, Mr. Kelly resigned the charge for an appoint-
ment to Australia on the Colonial Mission, and was designated
on 22nd April, 1858, the Kev. W. M'Clure, Deny, giving a
most impressive charge on the occasion. The next minister
was Mr. James Duff Cuffey, a licentiate of Comber Presby-
tery, who was oi'dained here on 30th June, 1859 ; and at the
meeting of Assembly the following week the congregation
was transferred from the Presbytery of Athlone to that of
Dublin. In less than two years Mr. Cuffey's health began
to decline ; he fell into consumption, and the congregation
became greatly reduced. He died on 5th May, 1863, leaving
a widow. The next minister was Mr. Andrew Burrowes, who
was ordained here by the Presbytery of Dublin on 29th
June, 1864. The congregation began to revive after his
settlement. They felt the want of a suitable place of worship,
and resolved to build a church. In 1865 they secured an
admirable site at the head of the Main Street. The people
subscribed liberally for their means, and were aided by
friends throughout the country and some in Scotland. The
late William Todd, Esq., Dublin, gave =£60, and Dr. Edgar,
Belfast, d£250 out of a fund placed at his disposal for such
purposes. A neat, commodious edifice was erected, and
opened free of debt the following year, one of Dr. Edgar's
last public acts being to preach the opening sermon. Mr.
Burrowes having received a call to Waterford, resigned the
pastorate of Tullamore on 16th July, 1868. The congrega-
tion unanimously chose Mr. Eobert H. Smythe, a licentiate
of Eoute Presbytery, for their minister, who was ordained
here on 17th December, 1868. During Mr. Burrowes'
ministry the congregation was steadily increasing, and after
Mr. Smythe's induction it made still more rapid and healthy
progress, so much so that the church had to be enlarged. A
HISTORY OP CONGREGATIONS. 239
session room and a room for the Sabbath-scliool to meet in
■was built, and the church pewed and lighted with gas for
evening services. Mr. Smythe also opened and sustained
mission-stations in all the neighbouring towns and villages ;
and the congregation is represented in the printed report for
1874 as having raised for all purposes over ^270. Dr.
James Coulter, elder, died on 6th Febrvxary, 1870. He was
a staunch friend and supporter of the congregation from the
beginning, and to him the congregation was indebted for
wise counsel and generous aid. Mr. Smythe accepted a call
from Cari'owdore, Ards Presbytery, and resigned the charge
of Tullamore on 11th June, 1879, to the great regret of all
the congregation. It has been sneeringly said that a minister
does not accept a call to another charge unless there is the
inducement of a larger income, but Mr. Smythe's translation
to Carrowdore is a striking exception. The congregation
now called the Rev. David Mitchel, minister at Kilkenny,
who was installed in Tullamore on 2 1st August, 1879, but he
did not remain a year in the charge. Having accepted a call
to Warren j)oint, he resigned Tullamore on 21st June, 1880.
The congregation then called the Rev. William S. Frackelton,
who had joined the Irish General Assembly in June from
the United States of America, Mr. Frackelton was installed
here on 19th November, 1880. Being appointed by the
Board of Missions to the colony of New South Wales, Mr.
Frackleton resigned this charge on the 2nd of September,
1884 ; and Mr. Henry Patterson Glenn, a licentiate of the
Presbytery of Dublin, was ordained here on the LOth of
December following.
TULLYLISH.
This congregation was also known by the name of Dona-
cloney. The earliest notice of it is connected with the
ordination of Mr. John Cunningham to the pastoral charge
in the year 1670. He was here in 1688, when he retired to
Scotland and never returned. The congregation continued
vacant in 1697, and for some time after. The next minister
was Mr, Gilbert Kennedy, who was ordained here by the
Presbytery of Armagh March 23rd, 1704. He died in this
charge July 8th, 1746. He was succeeded by Mr. Samuel
Sims, who was installed at Tullylish by the Presbytery of
Dromore November 4th, 1746. He had been formerly
minister of Anahilt. He died in this charge October 14th,
240 HISTORY OP CONGREGATIONS.
1768, leaving a widow and family ; and was succeeded by
Mr. Samuel Morell, who was ordained here March 6th, 1770.
He was shot by the Hearts of Oak March 6th, 1772, leaving
neither widow nor family.* The next minister was Mr. John
Sherrard, who was ordained here November 4th, 1774. Mr.
Sherrard becoming infirm, Mr. John Johnston, formerly
minister of Cootehill, was installed as his assistant and
successor October 1st, 1811. Mr. Sherrard died June 18th,
1829, leaving a widow and family. Mr. Johnston (subse-
quently created D.D.) died on the 16th October, 1862. On
the 2nd of December of the same year, Mr. James Cargin
was ordained to the pastoral charge. On his removal to
Dublin, Mr. Cargin resigned this charge on the 23rd of
December, 1872 ; and was succeeded by Mr. John Morrison,
who was ordained here on the 16th September, 1873.
URNEY AND SION.
This congregation is of ancient date. In 1654 Mr. James
Wallace was ordained here. He died in this charge in
November, 1674. His successor was Mr. David Brown, from
the Presbytery of Stirling, who was ordained here in 1677.
He fled to Derry in 1688, and died in the city during the
siege. He was succeeded by Mr. William Holmes, who had
been received by the Presbytery as a probationer on the 25th
of June, 1695, and who was ordained to this charge on the
22nd of December, 1696. In 1697 he was suspended from
the ministry on account of some " scandalous carriage " in
the house of Mr. Rowat. He was appointed to appear before
the Synod at Coleraine in February following ; but having
acknowledged his scandal before the Presbytery in January,
his suspension was removed. He died in this charge in
October, 1 784. The next minister was Mr. William Macbeath,
who was ordained here by the Presbytery of Strabane on the
22nd of December, 1737. He was removed to Usher's Quay,
Dublin, in 1745. The next minister was Mr. Andrew
Alexander, who was ordained here by the Presbytery of
Letterkenuy on the 31st of August, 1749. He died here
April 30th, 1808, leaving a widow and family ; and was suc-
ceeded by Mr. John Gillespie, who was ordained here on the
* A monument to the memory of Mr. Morell, erected by his friend.
Sir Richard Johnston, Bart,, is still to be seen in Tullylish Presby-
terian church.
HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 241
26th of January, 1809. He died liere ou the 28th of July,
1823, leaving neither widow nor family. The next minister
was Mr. James Purss, who was ordained here on the 20th of
May, 1824. He died on the 29th of August, 1836, leaving
neither widow nor family. He was succeeded by Mr. John
M'Conaghy, who was ordained here by the Presbytery of
Strabane on the 14th of June, 1837. In 1881 it was reported
to the Assembly that the Presbytery of Strabane had effected
the union of the congregations of Urney and Sion ; and on
the 11th of August of the same year the Presbytery installed
the Rev. Matthew Neill, formerly a minister of the Reformed
Presbyterian Church, in the congregation of Urney and Sion
as colleague and successor to the Rev. John M'Conaghy.
VINECASH.
The first minister of this congregation was Mr. Alexander
Bruce, who was second son of Robert Bruce, Esq., of Kennet,
in Clackmannan, who was lineally descended from King
David Bruce. Mr. Bruce was minister of Kirkend, in Peeble-
shire from L690 to 1695. He had supplied some congre-
gation in the Presbytery of Down, in 1694, as his name
appears in the roll of that Presbytery, at the Synod in that
year. Mr. Bruce was married in 1677 to the daughter of
Mr. James Cleland, surgeon in Edinburgh, by Isabel Kennedy,
his wife, who was of the family of the Earl of Cassilis. Mr.
Bruce's daughter, Rachel, was grandmother of the Rev. Dr.
John Jamieson, of Edinburgh, author of the celebrated work
on the Culdees, and various other well-known publications.
Dr. Jamieson's sister was grandmother of Dr. Barnett, one of
the munificent contributors to the Presbyterian Orphan
Society. Mr. Bruce became minister of Vinecash, Co. Armagh,
about 1697, and died in this charge April 16th, 1704. He
was succeeded by Mr. William Mackay, who was ordained
here by the Presbytery of Armagh, September 25th, 1707.
Mr. Mackay died here November 14th, 1733. The next
minister was Mr. William Dick, who was ordained February
12th, 1727, some years prior to the death of Mr. Mackay.
Mr. Dick died in this charge December 23rd, 1740, and was
succeeded by Mr. James Todd, who was ordained here July
22nd, 1747. Becoming very infirm, Mr. Henry M'llree was
ordained here SOth August, 1791, as his assistant and suc-
cessor. Mr. Todd died in January, 1795, leaving a widow
p
242 HISTORY OP CONGREGATIONS.
and family. Mr. M'llree removed to the congregation of 1st
Keady, in March, 1797. Their next minister was Mr. Wm.
Reid, who was ordained to this charge May 24th, 1798. Mr.
Eeid died January 1st, 1824, leaving a widow. In the same
year the Synod separated Richhill from this charge, so that
Vinecash henceforth became a distinct congregation, and
their first minister in this state was Mr. Thomas Dugal, who
was ordained here November 29th, 1824. In June, 1837,
Mr. Dugal resigned his charge and removed to Australia.
He was succeeded by Mr. William Cromie, who was ordained
here June 22nd, 1838. Mr. Cromie died on the 9th of March,
1876. He had previously obtained as his assistant Mr.
Charles Cowden, who was ordained here on the 5th of October,
1874. Mr. Cowden, on his removal to Glenarm, resigned
this charge on the 21st of June, 1881, and was succeeded by
Mr. J. H. Forsythe, formerly of Culnady, who was installed
here on the 25th of October of the same year.
WAERENPOINT.
Until a late period this congregation was known as
Narrow-water. About the time of the Revolution it was
joined to Newry, and in 1697 it was jjut under the care of
the Presbytery of Tyrone. But when Carlingford, which had
formerly been joined to Dundalk, became a separate congre-
gation : and when, in 1707, Mr. Wilson became the minister
of Carlingford, Narrow- water was then associated with Car-
lingford, and placed under his joint charge. This arrange-
ment did not give entire satisfaction. In 1712 the people of
Narrow- water complained to the Synod that they had not
the half of Mr. Wilson's labours, as had been originally
determined. The Synod therefore ruled that, seeing Narrow-
water pays the half of Mr. Wilson's maintenance, viz., £15
per annum and victual, it should have the half of his labours
in summer, and one-third in winter. This congregation
continued united with Carlingford till the year 1820, when Mr.
Samuel Ai-nold, minister of the joint charge, was appointed
by the Synod to labour exclusively here : and Carlingford
became henceforth a separate congregation. During the
Arian controversy, Mr. Arnold joined the New Light i?arty,
and withdrew from the Synod in 1829. The Orthodox party
adhering to the Synod of Ulster now remained for some time
without a minister: but at length on the 2nd June, 1833, the
HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 243
Eev. Thomas Logan was ordained here by the Presbytery of
Dromore. In 1842 Mr. Logan removed from Warrenpoint
to Dundalt ; and on the 27th of September, 1842, the Eev.
John Martin was installed as his successor. Mr. Martin re-
signed this charge on the 28th of January, 1847, and on the
27th of July of the same year Mr. Isaac Patterson was
ordained to the charge. On the 15th of November, 1875,
Mr. Patterson resigned the charge of the congregation, and
was succeeded by Mr. Andrew Halliday, who was ordained
here on the 21st of September, 1876. Mr. Halliday, on his
removal to England, resigned this charge on the 8th of March,
1880 ; and on the 7th July of the same year the Rev. David
Mitchell was installed here.
WATERFORD.
Presbyterianism has long maintained an existence in
Waterford. In the beginning of the year 1673 Mr. William
Liston received a call from the congregation here. Our
Church was then in very depressed circumstances in this
country, and ordinations were j^erformed with as little pub-
licity as possible. On the 25th of Novembei', 1673, Mr.
Liston was ordained here in company with Mr. Cock, who
had a call from the people of Clonmel. Mr. Liston did not
remain long minister of Waterford, as, on account of his
grievances here, he was disannexed from the charge in October,
1676. He was succeeded by Mr. Alexander Sinclair, who was
ordained here in 1687. Mi-. Sinclair resigned this charge in
1690, and removed to the congregation of Plunket Street,
Dublin. The congregation was afterwards joined with the
Southern Association, and remained long in that connexion.
At length, in 1854, the Munster Presbytery was incorporated
with the General Assembly ; and the Rev. William M'Cance,
who was then the minister of Waterford, became a member
of the Supreme Judicatory of the Presbyterian Church in
Ireland. Mr. M'Cance was the son of the Rev. John M'Cance,
minister of 1st Comber, County Down. In October, 1864,
Mr. M'Cance resigned the pastoral charge, and was succeeded
by Mr. James Carson, who was installed here on the 29th of
March, 1866. On the 27th of February, 1868, Mr. Carson
I'esigned this charge, and was succeeded by Mr. Andrew
Burrowes, formerly minister of Tullamore, who was installed
here on the 12th of August, 1868. On the 8th of May,
244 HISTORY OP CONGREGATIONS.
1876, Mr. Burrowes resigned this charge, having received a
call to labour as a missionary within the bounds of the Pres-
byterian Church of Canada, and was succeeded by Mr. John
Hall, who was installed here on the 27th of July, 1876. Mr.
M'Cance died, at an advanced age, in the Summer of 1882.
WHITEABBET.
About fifty years ago there was no Presbyterian Church
between Donegall Street Belfast and Carrickfergus.* A
sermon might occasionally be preached in a school-house at
Whitehouse, or in some other place along the Shore Road ;
but those who waited regularly on Sabbath ordinances were
obliged to repair either to Belfast, Carnmone\', or Carrick-
fergus. At length a Presbyterian Church was erected at
Wbiteabbey ; and on the 12th of November, 1833, the Rev.
William Campbell was ordained as the first pastor. During
the ministry of Mr. Campbell the congregation was but
small, as many of the peoj^le of the district still adhered to
the places of worship with which they had been previously
connected. On the 15th of January, 1844, Mr. Campbell
resigned the pastoral charge, having accepted a call from the
congregation of Alexandria, in connection with the Free
Church. He was succeeded by the Rev. John Lyle, who was
ordained here on the 2nd of September, 1844. During Mr.
Lyle's ministry the present manse was erected. He demitted
the pastoral charge on the 14th of March, 1860, and was
succeeded by the Rev. R. J. Lynd, who was ordained here
on the 19th of September, 1861. Meanwhile the congregation
increased much : and a considerable amount was expended on
the enlargement of the church. Mr. Lynd lesigned the charge
of Whiteabbey on the 7th of January, 1874 ; and on the 27th
of July, 1875, the Rev. John Armstrong, formerly minister of
Academy Street Church, Belfast, was installed as the new
pastor. After having preached in Whiteabbey only two
Sabbaths, Mr. Armstrong, though in the bloom of youth,
became suddenly so unwell that he could not continue his
ministrations, and died on the 26th of December, 1875. He
was succeeded by Mr. Wm. Rogers, LL.D., formerly of Castle-
reagh, who was installed here on the 16th of August, 1876.
* When King William III. arrived at Carrickfergus, shortly before
the battle of the Boyne, he proceeded along the Shore Road to Belfast,
and was met at Whitehouse, near Whiteabbey, by Duke Schomberg.
THE CONNAUGHT PRESBYTERY.
HISTORICAL FACTS RELATING TO THE CONGREGATIONS OF
THE CONNAUGHT PRESBYTERY, FROM THE DATE OF
THEIR FORMATION TILL APRIL, 1886.
'As most of the Congregations of the Connanght Presbytery have
been erected in the present century, it has been tliought right to
furnish this separate account of them.
This Presbytery was organised on August 23rd, 1825, by
the requisition of the Synod of Ulster, which met at Coleraine
in June, 1825— viz. : " That the ministers and congregations
of Sligo, Killala, Westport, Turlough, and Ballymoate be
erected into a Presbytery, and denominated the Connaught
Presbytery." The ministers and eklers met accordingly at
Ballymote — Rev. Jacob Scott, Moderator. The other members
were Eevs. David Rodgers (Clerk), Robert Creighton, James
Heron, and John Hamilton ; with Messrs. Robert Orr and
Samuel Henry, Sligo, ruling elders.
BALLINA.
Ballina was originally a mission- station in connection
with Killala congregation. In August, 1835, the Rev. David
Rodgers, minister of Killala, was appointed by the Board of
Missions to preach in Ballina on Sabbath evenings. His
ministrations were blessed in retaining some valuable Presby-
terians in connection with the Church, who otherwise would
unavoidably have attached themselves to other denominations.
During the nine years in which Mr. Rodgers supplied the
Ballina station great changes took place in the population of
that town ; and his congi*egation felt the effects of the
removal of many who had been steady attendants at his
evening services. Afterwards there was an influx of Presby-
terian settlers, which rendered the maintenance of a morning
service desirable. The Rev. Archibald Lowry, afterwards
minister of 1st Donegal, was accordingly appointed to take
charge of the station. He preached his first sermon there
on the 18th of August, 1844, and continued to officiate
246 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.
regularly till his removal to Eoundstone, County Galway, in
November, 1845. Mr. Lowry's work was twofold — first, to
minister to the Presbyterians on the Sabbath and undertake
their partial oversight ; and, secondly, to act as itinerant
agent in connection with the Irish schools, both of which
duties he discharged with singular zeal and faithfulness.
In November, 1845, the Rev. Thomas Armstrong, a licentiate
of the Monaghan Presbytery, took charge of the Ballina
Station, the Irish School and Roman Catholic Mission depart-
ment having been specially assigned to the Rev. Mr.
Brannigan. Having been erected into a congregation, the
people presented a call to Mr. Armstrong, who was ordained
the first minister of Ballina on 6th May, 1846. For some
years public worship was maintained in a schoolroom ; the
inconvenience connected with this served to retard the
progress of the congregation. A very suitable site having
with difficulty been obtained, a church was built, and was
formally opened for public worship by the Rev. Henry
Cooke, D.D., LL.D., in July, 1851. A comfortable manse
was also erected, and a schoolhouse, and subsequently an
orphanage, in connection with the mission schools, under the
superintendence of the Rev. Robert Allen, who for seventeen
years was a regular member of the congregation, and
materially assisted in its early struggles. The Rev. Robert
Allen died on 1st April, 1865. The Rev. Thomas Armstrong,
having been appointed his successor by the General Assembly,
resigned the pastoral charge of Ballina on 8th April, 1868.
Mr. Dvdi was ordained on the 30th of December, 1868 ; and
on the 31st Januai-y, 1877, he removed to St. George's,
Liverpool. The Rev. T. R. Cairns, formerly minister of Moy,
was installed in the pastoral charge on the 24th October, 1877,
and resigned on the 26th of August, 1879, on his appointment
to the colonial field of New Zealand. The Rev. John Cairns
was installed on the 29th of October of the same year.
BALLINGLEN.
In the year 1845 the Rev. Mr. Brannigan was appointed by
the students of the General Assembly's Collegiate Classes in
Belfast to take the oversight of the Irish Schools, and at the
same time to act as itinerant missionary over a large tract of
country. Before the end of 1846 twelve mission stations
were formed. On the appointment of the Rev. Robert Allen to
HISTORY OP CONGREGATIONS. 247
tLe superintendence of the Connaught Schools, Mr. Brannigan
was directed to confine his labours more immediately to the
Ballinglen district. From this station a memorial was
presented to the General Assembly in 1848, signed by more
than eighty persons, of whom a majority were originally
Romanists, praying to be taken under the care of the Church.
A commission having been appointed to inquire and report,
the prayer of the memorial was granted, and Mr. Brannigan
at once undertook the collection of the funds necessary for
the building of the church, which was opened free of debt
for divine service in 1850, by the Eev. Dr. Cooke, of Belfast.
For a time the cause was well sustained, but emigration
having set in, few of the original adherents remain, although
at the census of 1861 over 150 registered themselves as
Presbyterians. In November, 1864, both church and manse
were burned down, but being insured, were rebuilt in 1865.
Mr. Brannigan died in November, 1874, in the 29th year of
his ministry and the 58th of his age. Mr. William Fearon
was ordained January 26th, 1876, and resigned January 30th,
1879 ; and was succeeded by the Rev. James Wilkin, who
was ordained on the 10th of April, 1879.
BALLYMOATE.
About the year 1760 a number of settlers from Ulster,
with a few from Scotland, came to this district, with a view
to the introduction of the linen manufactui-e. They were
organized into a congregation, and ministered to successively
by the Rev. Messrs. Nesbit, King, Caldwell, Scott, and
Fleming. For many years the congregation flourished, but
owing to emigration and other causes in 1850, when the
present minister, the Rev. John Dewart, who was ordained
here on the 9th of October of that year, entered upon the
charge, it was greatly reduced. Since then a manse and
offices have been erected, a church rebuilt, and a schoolhouse,
with teachers' apartments, in 1865. The whole stands on a
plot of ground, held by lease in perpetuity. In the face of
many difficulties the congregational attendance is steady.
The day-school is largely attended by Romanists, while there
is reason to believe that the Lord's cause is making progress
in the locality. Mr. Dewart becoming infirm, Mr. Joseph
Northey, a licentiate of the Derry Presbyteiy, was ordained
his assistant and successor on the 3rd March, 1886.
248 HISTORY OF CONGEEGATIONS.
BOYLE.
This congregation is chiefly composed of Presbyterians
from the North of Ireland. When the Rev. John Hall (now
D.D., of New York), came as a missionary to Camlin, he
preached fortnightly in the Wesleyan Chapel at Boyle. Mr.
Hall having accepted a call from 1st Armagh, he was succeeded
by the Rev. James Robinson, who commenced a Sabbath
evening service in the courthouse, but changing the hour of
service to mid-day, the use of the courthouse was withdrawn.
The worshipjiers then rented a place for meeting, and in 1857
were organized into a congregation. Immediately after, in
consequence of ill-health, Mr. Robinson left Boyle, when the
Rev. Robert Alexander Caldwell succeeded to the pastorate in
1858. Mr. Robinson died on the 27th of June, 1858. A church
and manse have been built, at a cost of d£955, on a site kindly
presented by Captain Robertson. The church was opened,
almost clear of debt, for divine service in May, 1859. In
October, 1863, Mr. Caldwell left for Australia; and was
succeeded by the Rev. David M'Kee, who, after remaining
about eighteen months, accepted a call to Ballywalter. Mr.
John Watson, who was ordained on the 13th November,
1866, succeeded to the pastorate.
CASTLEBAR.
The congregation of Castlebar thits originated. The Rev.
Mr. Brown, upon his settlement in Turlough in 1854, com-
menced to preach in Castlebar, for a time in the courthouse,
and afterwards in a schoolroom, every Sabbath evening. The
building of a church was contemplated, but the impossibility
of procuring a site retarded efforts in this direction for
several years. When hope was on the brink of expiring,
help came providentially from an unexpected quarter. Dr.
Christie proposed, through his agent, Mr. John C. Lawrence,
to dispose of his property in Charles Street, which was held
by lease in perpetuity. The purchase was completed by the
transfer of the lease to three trustees, of whom one was the
late Rev. John Edgar, D.D., LL.D. Thus the property was
acquired for the General Assembly in November, 1861. The
purchase was for d£300, of which Dr. Edgar paid .£200. In
November, 1863, the church was built, and opened for public
worship by the apostle of temperance. The church of
HISTOKT OF CONGEEGATIONS. 249
Castlebar was made a joint-cliarge with Turlough by the
General Assembly, and is now known by the name of
" Turlousfh and Castlebar."
CLOGHER.
Application was made to our church in 1848 on behalf
of a few neglected families in and about Clogher that they
might be supplied with the means of grace. For three years
preaching was continued every alternate Sabbath by the
Eev. Messrs. Killen, Hall, and Dewart, each remaining for
about twelve months. It was then proposed to be taken up
by the students in connection with the Genei^al Assembly.
To this they agreed ; and at the close of the session of
1850-51 the Rev. John Barnett was appointed their first
missionary to Clogher. Mr. Barnett remained till June,
1856, when he removed to Carlow. He was succeeded by the
Eev. James Megaw, who left for Australia in April, 1858.
The Rev, Samuel Johnston was appointed as the third
missionary in June, 1858. The Eev. S. L. Harrison succeeded
in January, 1873, and removed to Dromore West in March,
1878. Mr. James S. Smith was ordained as his successor in
July, 1879. Miss Elizabeth Holmes, a lady of singular piety
and zeal, to whose munificent encouragement the origin of
the congregation must be traced, died on the 9th of June,
1877. Her remains are interred in the place to which her
labours were so much devoted.
CREEVELEA.
In January, 1832, a number of Scotch families came to settle
at Drumkeeran, County Leitrim, with the intention of opening
iron and coal mines. The Rev. James Heron, of Sligo,
visited and occasionally preached to them on week days. A
temporary place of worship was soon fitted up, and regular
services conducted by members of the Presbytery. Mr.
John Ashmore was appointed a constant supply, and after
a short time was ordained on the 15th December, 1852. The
church was maliciously burned down on the night of the first
Sabbath of 1853, but was immediately rebuilt, and all went
on satisfactorily for about four years, when the ironworks
were abruptly suspended, and most of the Scotch families
returned to their native land. At present there is a good
250 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.
church and comfortable manse. In addition to the charge
of Creevelea, Mr. Ashmore conducts divine service in Manor-
hamilton, Dromahaire, and Collooney with great usefulness.
DROMOEE WEST.
This congregation dates its origin from the year 1846.
At that time the Rev. Mr. Braunigan commenced his labours
in Connaught.* He gained an opening in this district for
preaching. His early services were conducted in a private
house, and the meetings were well attended both by
Protestants and Romanists. In 1847 the use of a barn was
kindly granted to him, where for a year he held a stated
Sabbath service, with an encouraging congregation. This he
continued until 1848, when the Rev. Matthew Kerr entered
uj^on the field as stated missionary, and carried on the work
which had been commenced with such marked success. In
July, 1848, the heads of families attending the services
forwarded a memorial to the General Assembly, praying that
a church should be erected, and that the congregation might
be permanently established. Through Mr. Kerr's instru-
mentality a commodious house was erected and opened for
public worship in May, 1850. A flourishing day-school was
conducted in it during the week. The first communion was
observed in June, 1850. In 1857 a manse was erected, and
in 1860 a new schoolroom. Through the indefatigable exer-
tions of Mr. Kerr, all was left free of debt. In June, 1862,
Mr. Kerr resigned. Mr. S. E. Wilson was ordained to the
charge on the 5th April, 1864. On his resignation in October,
1872, the congregation again became vacant. The Rev.
Thomas Armstrong was installed on the 28th of May, 1873,
and resigned 10th November, 1875. Mr. D. S. K. Coulter
was ordained here on the 17th of May, 1876, and resigned
15th January, 1878. The Rev. S. L. Harrison, who was
installed here on the 6th of March, 1878, resigned on the
17th of May, 1883. The Rev. William Stuart was installed
on the 5th of September, 1883.
HOLLYMOUNT.
During the years 1851, '52, and '63 some Scotch and
* Mr. Brannigan could preach in Irish. He was a convert from
Romanism.
HISTORY OP CONGEEGATIONS. 251
Northumbrian families settled in this neighbourhood. Others
followed in 1856. In the spring of 1852 the Eev. John
Hamilton, of Turlough, visited the colonists, and occasionally
officiated among them. In 1853 Mrs. Lindsay, of Holly-
mount House, gave the use of a schoolroom in the village for
divine service, and here they continued to worship till 1856,
being supplied at first by the Presbytery, until, in August,
1853, Mr. James Love was ordained the first minister of the
congregation. In the spring of 1862 he removed to Queens-
land ; and in the month of June following, Mr. Samuel
Wilson was ordained to the pastorate. In consequence of ill-
health he removed to Australia in January, 1863. In the same
month the Rev. Andrew Brown, of Turlough, received a call
from the congregation, and was installed on the 17th of
February, 1863. A church and manse were erected at a cost
of .£1200. The church was opened for public worship in 1856,
with a debt still remaining of d£350, which has since been
entirely removed by the noble and persevering efforts of the
congregation.
KILLALA.
KiLLALA (Mullafary) was originally known by the name
of Moywater, as the church then stood near the river Moy,
about three miles from its present position. For a time it
was connected with Sligo, under the ministry of the Rev.
Samuel Henry, and became a separate charge about 1698.
Its first settled minister was the Rev. James Pringle, who
having demitted the pastorate of Ballindreat, in July, 1699,
entered upon his labours in the beginning of June, 1700.
Mr. Pringle died January 1st, 1707; and was succeeded by
the Rev. James Wallace on the 25th of August, 1709. In
June, 1720, he removed to Moville, County Donegal. A long
vacancy followed. In 1733 Mr. William Wilson was ordained
to this charge by the Presbytery of Letterkenny. In 1746
Sir Arthur Gore wrote a sympathetic letter to the Synod in
reference to his melancholy situation. He died January 12th,
1781 ; and was succeeded by the Rev. Isaac Barr, formerly
minister of Ray, County Donegal. About 1792 Mr. Barr
resigned the charge; and in December, 1795, the Rev.
Alexander Marshall, formei'ly minister of Turlough, was
installed. Mr. Marshall died on February 28th, 1819 ; and
Mr. David Rodgers was ordained on the 11th September,
1820. Mr. Rodgers becoming infirm, Mr. Hamilton Magee
252 HISTORY OF CONGEEGATIONS.
was chosen as his assistant, and ordained on the 8th of
August, 1849. On the removal of Mr. Magee to the superin-
tendence of the Eoman Catholic Mission in Dublin, Mr. John
Wilson was ordained here on the 14th of March, 1854. Mr.
Eodgers died in June, 1859. Mr. Wilson, having been ap-
pointed missionary to Queensland, was succeeded by Mr John
Wilson, who was ordained on the 31st December, 1862. Mr.
Wilson having removed to Lecumpher, Px'esbytery of Tyrone,
the Rev. George Clarke Love was installed as his successor
on the 1st of April, 1885. Mr. Love demitted this charge
on his removal to Killeter ; and on the 3rd of February,
1886, Mr. Thomas Edwards, a Licentiate of Derry Presbytery,
was ordained here.
NEWPORT.
The first Presbyterian family settled in Newport in 1851.
Others followed, and in a short time a small Scotch colony
was formed into a congregation. They were first ministered
to by the Rev. David Adair, of Westport, assisted during the
summer of 1853 by Mr. Grant, a theological student of the
Free Church of Scotland, who left in October of the same year.
The Rev. George S. Keegan has been in charge of the station
since October, 1853. He was ordained by the Connaught Pres-
bytery in March, 1854 ; and in August, 1857, the people were
organised into a congregation. For four years worship was
held in the courthouse, kindly granted by Sir Richard A.
O'Donnel. At last efforts were made; a church was built ; ,
and on the 3rd of June, 1857, it was opened by the late Rev.
John Macnaughtan, of Belfast ; and in April, 1864, was
pronounced free of debt. For several years past many of the
congregation have emigrated, and the numbers are thus
greatly reduced ; but those who remain have made praise-
worthy efforts to sustain the Lord's cause. A beautiful
manse has been lately erected, which, by the help of a
generous public, is now nearly free of debt.
SLIGO.
The Rev. Samuel Henry was the first minister of this
congregation of whom there is any record. He was ordained
to the joint-charge of Sligo and Moy water (Killala) by the
Presbytery of Convoy in May, 1695.* In July, 1698, Moy-
* The ordination is said to have taken place at Monreagh, between
St. Johnston and Derry.
HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 253
Tvater was separated from Sligo, which latter was still under
Mr. Henry's care. In 1727 Mr. Henry resigned the pastorate
of Sligo and settled at Abbeyfoile. He was succeeded by
Mr. Luke Ash, son of Captain Ash,* one of the defenders of
the city of Derry during its eventful siege in 1689. Mr.
Ash was ordained to the pastoral charge of Sligo by the
Presbytery of Letterkenny on the 9th of August, 1732. He
died in Sligo in 1742; and was succeeded by Mr. Hugh
Nesbit, who was ordained on the 5th of May, 1756. Bally-
mote congregation was joined to Sligo about 1760. Mr.
Nesbit died in 1778 ; and was succeeded by Mr. Joseph
King, who was ordained by the Presbytery of Clogher on
the 4th of August, 1 784. Mr. King demitted the j^astorate
of Sligo in 1797 ; and was succeeded by Mr. Booth Caldwell,
who was ordained about the close of the same year. Mr.
Caldwell was a man of prayer and devoted piety. He
laboured successfully in Sligo till his death, which took place
on the 24th October, 1810. The next minister was Mr. Jacob
Scott, who was oi'dained on March 19th, 1811, to the joint-
charge of Sligo and Ballymoate. In 1823 Mr. Scott was
appointed by the Synod of Ulster to labour exclusively in Bally-
moate. Sligo henceforth became a separate charge. Mr.
James Heron was ordained to the pastorate of Sligo on the
18th March, 1824. The officiating ministers on the occasion
the Rev. Messx*s. Bleckley, of Monaghan ; Cunningham, of
Minterburn ; and Kennedy, of Corboy. Mr. Heron becoming
infirm, Mr. MofEatt Jackson, A.M., was ordained as his
assistant and successor on the 11th of April, 1855. Mr.
Heron died on the 28th of July, 1860.
TURLOUGH.
About the middle of the eighteenth century, Colonel
Robert Fitzgerald, the pi*oprietor of an estate here, signified
his intention of letting his lands to northern tenants, where-
upon several families, principally from the Counties of Down
and Donegal, settled upon his property. These families
found that, though settled in one of the most beautiful parts
of Connaught, they had a great disadvantage in being
deprived of the ordinary means of grace. A deputation
* Captain Ash was married to the daughter of Mr. Eaiiiey, a rich
Presbyterian of Magherafelt, who established an endowed school there,
still in existence.
254 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.
accordingly waited on Colonel Fitzgerald to ask his counsel
and encouragement in the matter of obtaining for them a
minister of their own persuasion. As the colonists consisted
of Presbyterians and Episcopalians, each party wished a
minister of their own denomination. The colonel said, as
one minister would be suf&cient for both, he would put it to
the vote, and give his vote with the majority. On the vote
being taken, it was found that the Presbyterians had the
majority. A call was made out in favour of the Rev. Henry
Henry. Mr. Henry, who removed to Connor, was succeeded
by the Rev. Mr. Marshall, who resigned the charge in 1795.
In the same year the Rev. Mr. Hall was called to be the
minister, who continued until his death in 1824. The Rev.
John Hamilton followed, continuing until his death in May,
1854. Mr. Andrew Brown was ordained in September, 1854.
Mr. Brown resigned this charge in January, 1863. Mr. John
Cairns was ordained in Turlongh the same year. The Rev.
John Cairns demitted the charge in September, 1879 ; and
was succeeded by the Rev. James Steen in May, 1880.
WESTPORT.
In the year 1776 a considerable number of Presbyterians,
encouraged by the Earl of Altamont, settled in the town and
vicinity of Westport. In the absence of any Presbyterian
service, some of these and their descendants became united
with other denominations. The Rev. James Hall, of Tur-
lough, occasionally visited, preached, baptised, and ad-
ministered the Lord's Suj^per among them. This state of
things being represented to the Presbyterian Committee of
Dublin, the Rev. James Horner and Rev. John Birch were
deputed in 1821 to make inquiry and report. On their
return the Rev. Henry Cooke (afterwards of Killyleagh) was
sent to officiate for a few Sabbaths. A room in the market-
house was granted for public worship by George Clendinning,
Esq. He was succeeded by the Revs. Messrs. Bleckley,
Monaghan ; Johnston, Tullylish ; Gardiner, Clare ; Crozier,
licentiate ; and Henry Dobbin, Lurgan. A memorial was
presented by the Rev. James Horner to the Synod of Ulster,
the result of which was the formation of the Presbyterians of
Westport into a congi-egation, under the care of the Presby-
tery of Dublin. The congregation was supplied with ordin-
ances by the Rev. Messrs. H. Kidd, James Steele, Thomas
HISTORY OF CONGKEGATIONS. 255
Dougald, and Joseph Bellis ; and, after an interval of some
months, Mr. Eobert Creighton, of the Presbytery of Tyrone,
was ordained first pastor of the congregation by the Revs. J.
Horner, James Morgan, of Carlow ; and J. Hall, on the 23rd
of December, 1823. The service was performed in the
market-house, and was largely attended, the Marquis and
Marchioness of Sligo being present. In 1830 the Marquis
granted a site for a church and manse, the erection of which
was soon after commenced. A lease of lives, renewable for
ever, has been recently converted by the present Marquis
into a fee-farm grant. Mr. Creighton died in 1834 ; and on
the 4th of June, 1837, Mr. James Smith was ordained to the
charge. In October, 1845, Mr. Smith accepted a call to
Edgerton, Scotland. He was succeeded by Mr. David Adair,
who was ordained on the 8th of May, 1846, and died of
small-pox in 1854. On the 20th of June, 1855, Mr. Richard
Smyth (afterwards D.D.) was ordained to the pastorate.
Ml-. Smyth accepted a call to 1st Londonderry in 1857. The
same year Mr. John James Black was ordained on the 8th of
September, and resigned the charge on the 3rd of May, 1859,
having received a call to Ormond Quay Church, Dublin. The
Rev. William White was installed to the pastorate on the 2nd
of August, 1859. Mr. White having demitted the charge in
June, 1874, Mr. Joseph M'Kinstry was ordained here on the
6th of January, 1875. He resigned in April, 1881 ; and Mr.
Samuel G. Crawford, the present minister, was ordained on
the 5th of October followincc.
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES.
THE FATHEES OF THE lEISH PRESBYTERIAN
CHURCH.
Irish Presbyterians have reason to speak with the highest
satisfaction of the men who laid the foundations of their
church in Ulster. They were, in every sense, the excellent of
the earth. Most of them had demonstrated their earnestness
and self-denial by resigning situations in their native Scotland
rather than violate their consciences ; and they were distin-
guished by their high social position, as well as by their
superior scholarship. Edward Brice, the first Presbyterian
minister who removed from North Britain to take charge of
a parish in the County of Antrim, was the brother of a
Scottish laird, and had previously been a professor in the
University of Edinburgh. Robert Blair, who became minister
of Bangor, was a gentleman by birth, and a man of erudition.
Josias Welsh, who settled at Templepatrick, was the great
grandson of Lord Ochiltree, and had been a jjrof essor in the
University of Glasgow. James Hamilton, the minister of
Ballywalter, was an excellent scholar, and the nephew of
Lord Clandeboye. Patrick Adair, who wrote the Narrative of
the Irish Presbyterian Church, which has recently awakened
so much interest, belonged to the influential family of the
same name, one of whom is at present the proprietor of the
estate of Ballymena. John Livingston, the minister of
Killinchy, was a scion of the noble family of Livingston, so
well known in the Scottish peerage ; and was noted for his
attainments in Latin, Greek, Hebrew, Arabic, French, Dutch,
and other languages. The Episcopal writers who describe
the early Presbyterian ministers of Ireland as a race of low
fanatics evidently know nothing whatever of the matter. As
a body they were in every respect immensely superior to the
Episcopal clergy by whom they were surrounded ; for these,
by competent contemporary authorities, have been described
generally as men of low birth, of no education, and of very
little principle. Even Strafford speaks of them in the most
contemptuous language.
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 257
WALTER TEA VERS, A PRESBYTERIAN",
THE FIRST REGULAR PROVOST OP TRINITY COLLEGE, DUBLIN.
It is a fact which should be generally known that Presby-
terians were originally admitted to all the honours and
emoluments of Dublin College. Walter Travers, the first
regular Provost of the Irish University, was a Presbyterian
minister. It cannot be said that his ecclesiastical peculiarities
were unknown when he obtained this high litei'ary appoint-
ment, for he had long before been distinguished as one of the
most able and zealous of the English Non-conformists. He
was so much opposed to any recoguition of prelatical autho-
rity, that he passed over into Holland to obtain Presbyterian
ordination. He was subsequently appointed lecturer at the
Temple, a situation which he occupied for several years. At
this time he came into collision with the celebrated author
of the " Ecclesiastical Polity," commonly called by Episcopa-
lians, " the judicious Hooker." Hooker, as Master of the
Temple, preached in the forenoon — Travers, as lecturer,
officiated in the afternoon. Fuller, himself an Episcopalian,
thus speaks of their respective services : " Mr. Hooker's
voice was low, stature little, gestui-e none at all — standing-
still in the pulpit, as if the posture of his body was the em-
blem of his mind, unmoveable in his opinions. Where his
eye was left fixed at the beginning, it was found fixed at the
end of his sermon. His sermons followed the inclination of
his studies, and were, for the most part, on controversies and
deep points of school divinity." Mr. Travers' uttei'ance was
graceful, gesture plausible, matter profitable, method plain,
and his style carried in it 'a genius of gi'ace' flowing from
his sanctified heart. Some say that the congregation in the
Temple ebbed in the forenoon, and flowed in the afternoon,
and that the auditory of Mr. Travers was far the more
numerous — the first cause of emulation betwixt them. But
such as knew Mr. Hooker," adds Fuller in his own sly
fashion, " knew him to be too wise to take exception at such
trifles, the rather because the most judicious is always the
least part iu all auditories." These two preachers could not
long act together harmoniously. Hooker was an abettor of
Arminianism as well as a strenuous advocate of Prelacy,
whilst Travers was a staunch Calvinist, and a most decided
Presbyterian. It therefore frequently happened that the
doctrine propounded from the pulpit in the morning was
258 BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES,
overturned in the afternoon, and as tlie two divines ranked
among tlie most accomplished representatives of Conformity
and Puritanism, the most eminent characters of the day took
a deep interest in their controversies. Not only young law
students, but such men as Sir Edward Coke, were to be seen
earnestly listening to the sei'mons, and noting down the
various arguments. As Travers was by far the more effective
jH'eacher, the high church party speedily took the alarm ; for
they considered that, were he to succeed in gaining over all
the gentlemen of the legal j^rof ession to the cause of Presby-
terianism, the stability of the existing hierarchy would be
seriously endangered. The Archbishop of Canterbury ac-
cordingly interfered, and silenced the eloquent lecturer. As
he was just entering the pulpit, ou a particular occasion, to
deliver the afternoon sermon, a low official appeared and
served him with a notice to desist from preaching. He was
in consequence obliged to announce abruptly that he had
received such an order, and to dismiss the congregation.
When Travers was thus under suspension by the Archbishoj)
of Canterbury, his old friend, Adam Loftus, then Archbishop
of Dublin, invited him to become Provost of the newly-erected
Irish University. In accepting this appointment he was not
obliged to conform to the Episcopal discipline, for the statutes
of the University Avere originally so framed that its highest
offices were open to evangelical Presbyterians. Travers pre-
sided over the College for a number of years, but the civil
wars at length obliged him to leave the country. He died at
an advanced age in England in rather limited circumstances.
We think it right to add that Archbishop Ussher, the most
illustrious scholar ever produced by Trinity College, Dublin,
was educated under the care of a Presbyterian Provost. At
an early period the Irish University was in fact regarded as
a kind of asylum for learned Puritans ; but, about forty years
after its erection, high church influence succeeded in changing
its constitution and in shutting out all, save Episco^^alians,
from its Provostship and Fellowships.
THE EEV. SAMUEL HANNA, D.D.
This eminent minister of the Irish Presbyterian Church
was born at Kellswater, Ballymena, in the year 1771. He
was educated at the University of Glasgow, where he obtained
the degree of A.M. in 1789 j and iii 1790 he was licensed as
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 259
a preacher in connexion with the Synod of Ulster by the
Presbytery of Ballymena. From his first appearance in the
pulpit his ministrations were most acceptable. His voice
was peculiarly sweet, and, at the same time so full and
distinct that, without almost any effort, it could be heard
throughout the largest building. The tone of his preaching
was remarkably evangelical, and his prayers, into which he
largely and most felicitously introduced the language of
Scripture, breathed a spirit of unaffected piety. In 1794, he
received a call from the congregation of Drumbo, near Belfast ;
but in consequence of some difficulties thrown in the way of
his settlement, he was not ordained until the month of
August of the following year. His reputation as a preacher
continued steadily to advance ; and on a vacancy occurring in
the congregation of Rosemary Street, Belfast, in consequence
of the resignation of the Rev. Sinclai'e Kelburn, he received
a call from the people, and was installed in that church in
the month of December, 1799. Dr. Hanna's settlement in
Belfast was an event of great importance to the Presbyterian
Church in Ulster. When he became pastor of Rosemary
Street, the congregation was in a rather dilapidated condition ;
but under his popular and effective ministrations, it gradually
revived. In all the religious movements which marked the
early part of the present century. Dr. Hauna took a deep
interest. He was a warm supporter of the Sunday School
Society ; and, so great was his zeal for the circulation of the
Word of God, that he permitted a portion of his own dwelling-
house to be occupied, for a considerable time, as a depository
for Bibles and Testaments. In 1809 he reported to the
Synod of Ulster, on the part of a committee with which he
was connected, that he had received in the course of about
twelve months, upwards of eleven hundred pounds for copies
of the Scriptures, sold at a cheap rate, to the Presbyterian
poor of the North of Ireland. When Missions began to
attract public attention, they found an earnest advocate in
Dr. Hanna, and it is a fact worthy to be recorded, that so
early as 1811, he recommended the Synod of Ulster to support
a mission to the Jews. In the following year, when the pious
and eloquent Dr. Waugh, of London, appeared befox-e the
Synod, as a deputy from the London Missionary Society, Dr.
Hanna espoused his cause, and ever afterwards proved a firm
friend to that noble institution. At the annual meeting of
the Synod in 1817, he was unanimously elected Professor of
260 BIOGEAPHICAL NOTICES.
Divinity and Claurcli History. Many of the members
of the Irish General Assembly, were trained for the ministry
under his tuition. He lived to see a blessed change in the
condition of Irish Presbyterianism. When he entered the
ministry, Unitarianism occupied the high j^laces of the Synod
of Ulster, education was at a very low ebb, vital religion was
almost extinguished, a missionary spirit was unknown, and
infidelity was powerful and truculent. He left the church
furnished with a staff of theological professors, firmly adher-
ing to the Westminster Standards, united in one great body,
with more than double the number of ministers and congi-e-
gations, and supporting four or five great missionary schemes.
When the Union was effected between the Synod of Ulster
and the Secession Synod, he was unanimoixsly chosen the first
Moderator of the Genei*al Assembly of the Presbyterian
Church in Ireland. He died in April, 1852, in the 82ud
year of his age ; and the immense concourse of mourners who
followed his remains to the grave, evinced the deep respect
with which he was regarded by the people among whom he
had so loner ministered.
JAMES SEATON REID, D.D.
The Rev. Dr. Reid, Professor of Ecclesiastical History
in the University of Glasgow, and author of the " History of
the Presbyterian Church in Ireland," died on Wednesday,
the 26th of March, 1851, at Belmont, the seat of Lord
Mackenzie, near Edinburgh, after an illness of about two
months' duration. Dr. Reid was a native of Lurgan, and
was born on the 19th of December, 1798, so that at the time
of his death he was in the 53rd year of his age. He was the
21st child of his parents, Forrest and Mary Reid, and having
been at an early period intended for the Presbyterian
ministry, in connection with the Synod of Ulster, he went
through the usual course of ])reparatory study in the
University of Glasgow, and took the degree of A.M. in April,
1816. Having completed his theological education and
obtained license, he received a call from the congregation of
Donegore, where he was ordained on the 20th of July, 1819.
Four years afterwards he received a unanimous call from the
Presbyterian Church of Carrickfergus, where he was installed
on the 19th of August, 1823. In the year 1827 he was
unanimously chosen Moderator of the General Synod of
.wAMiiig. -BiiMsm^ m^muz:
MM.XA.
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 261
Ulster at its meeting in Strabane. The Arian controversy
was then approacliing its climax, and, in tlie responsible
situation which he occupied, he displayed singular tact and
judgment. In 1830 he was unanimously appointed Clei'k of
the Synod. In January, 1833, the University of Glasgow
conferred upon him the honorary degree of Doctor of
Divinity ; and, about three years afterwards, he was elected
a member of the Royal Irish Academy. In 1834 Dr. Reid
gave to the public the first volume of his celebrated work,
the " History of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland." The
effect of this publication was most salutaiy. It was read
with intense interest by the Irish Presbyterians, and it placed
their Church before the empire in a position which it had
never hitherto occupied. At the annual meeting of the
Synod, in Derry, in June, 1834, the thanks of the body were
voted to the author for his work, and measures were sub-
sequently taken for extending its circulation. In the year
following, the congregation of Carrickfergus pi-esented to him
a magnificent service of plate, valued at considerably more
than d£100. Dr. Reid's second volume was issued in
June, 1837 ; and in the following month, at the meeting of
the General Synod, he was appointed Professor of Ecclesias-
tical History, Church Government, and Pastoral Theology.
This new chair having been soon afterwards permanently
endowed by the Government, he resigned the charge of the
congregation of Carrickfergus on the 6th of November, 1838,
and subsequently fixed his residence at Belfast. On the 2nd
of April, 1841, he was nominated by the Crown successor to
Dr. Macturk as Professor of Ecclesiastical and Civil History
in the University of Glasgow. On his removal to Glasgow,
Dr. Reid still continued to manifest a deep interest in the
prosperity of his native Church. During the agitation
relative to Irish Presbyterian marriages he published a series
of letters, displaying alike his powers of acute discrimination
and his intimate acquaintance with the historical bearings of
the controversy. In the midst of all his engagements in
Glasgow, he found time to edit a reprint of Mosheim's
Ecclesiastical History, to which he added a variety of valuable
annotations. In the year 1849 he had occasion to repel an
attack made upon his history by Dr. Elrington, of Trinity
College, Dublin. At that time he published a number of
letters in vindication of his statements ; and, in the end, the
substantial correctness of his narrative was admitted by Dr.
262 BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES.
Elrington liimself. His remains lie interred in the Sighthill
Cemetery, in the neighbourhood of Glasgow. He left behind
him a widoAV, six sons, and three daughters.
We are happy to be able to add that the Irish department
of Dr. Reid's most valuable library was purchased by
the General Assembly. It will thus be handed down in the
Irish Presbyterian Church as a memorial of its historian.
Many of the volumes are extremely rare, and not a few of
them contain important manuscript notes, written by Dr.
Eeid himself. After his death, the Government, with a con-
siderate kindness, which elicited universal commenda-
tion, settled a pension of dBlOO per annum upon his
family. At his death, Dr. Reid left a considerable portion
of an additional volume of the History of the Presb^jtcrian
Church in Ireland in a state ready for publication. He had
also carefully revised the two volumes previously published.
THE EEV. JAMES CARLILE, D.D.
On the 31st of March, 1854, the Eev. James Carlile, D.D.,
died at his residence in Dublin. His health had been for a
considerable time declining, and his demise had been long
anticipated. Dr. Carlile was a Christian of the highest type,
and a minister of great ability and learning. His father was
an eminent merchant of Paisley, and one of the magistrates
of the town — so that his son enjoyed all the advantages of a
superior education and of highly cultivated society. Dr.
Carlile was. settled as one of the ministers of Mary's Abbey,
Dublin, in May, 1813. On several important occasions he
distinguished himself in the Synod of Ulster by his talents
as a debater. When the Irish National System of Education
was established he was appointed one of the Commissioners,
and to him the country is indebted for some of the best of
the school-books issued by the Board. Late in life Dr.
Carlile took charge of the Birr Mission, and for a consider-
able number of years acted as the pastor of the Birr
congregation. He was remarkable for single-mindedness.
He never seemed to consider his own interest or his own
credit, and no matter what course he pursued in reference to
any deb-ated question, his brethren felt that he was entitled
to their respect. He was an excellent linguist, and it is said
that at an early period of his ministry he had read through
BIOGKAPHICAL NOTICES. 263
the whole of the Old. Testament in the original Hebrew. He
has left behind several works of standard excellence. On
his death-bed he exhibited singular serenity and cheerful-
ness. " Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright, for
the end of that man is peace."
JOHN EDGAE, D.D., LL.D.
Dr. Edgar was born near Ballynahinch in the early part
of the year 1798. His father, the Rev. Samuel Edgai*, D.D.,
was minister of the Secession Church of that place, and also
Professor of Divinity for the Secession Synod. When a
student at the Belfast Academical Institution, John Edo-ar
obtained distinguished honours, having carried off no less
than four silver medals. On November 4th, 1820, he was
ordained by the Seceding Presbytery of Down to the pastoral
charge of the small congregation of Alfred Place, Belfast ;
and, in 1826, he succeeded his father as Professor of Divinity
for the Secession Church. In 1829 he commenced the
Temperance Reformation. His efforts to promote the
establishment of temperance societies were prodigious. For
this purpose he travelled, not only throughout the four
provinces of Ireland, but also throughout Scotland and
England. He published a vast number of tracts, sermons,
and speeches on the subject. It has been calculated that
the number of copies of his publications wliich have obtained
circulation amount to upwards of a quarter of a million. He
founded the Ulster Eemale Penitentiary, and rendered
important service to almost all the benevolent institutions of
Belfast. He resigned the pastoral charge of the congrega-
tion of Alfred Street in 1848, and, on the death of Dr.
Hanna, became sole Professor of Systematic Divinity for the
General Assembly. At the time of the famine in 1847, he
raised a fund of many thousand pouuds for the relief of the
starving population of Connaught, and afterwards established
many churches and schools in that province. In 1859 he
visited America, in company with Messrs. Wilson and Dill,
and returned home with ,£6,000 to assist in the evangeliza-
tion of Ireland, He subsequently obtained contributions to
the amount of ^18,000 for the Church, Manse, and School
Fund. He died in Dublin on the morning of the Sabbath,
the 26th August, 1866.
264 BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES.
THE EEV. JAMES MOEGAN, D.D.
Dr. Morgan was a native of Cookstown, where lie was
"bom on the 11th of June, 1799. His parents were pious and
highly respectable. When very young he was brought under
deep religious impressions, and he was thus led to turn his
thoughts to the ministry as his future profession. During
his attendance at College he was known to all his fellows as
a student of whose eminent godliness there could be no
doubt whatever. On the 21st of June, 1820 — when barely
twenty -one years of age — he was ordained by the Presbytery
of Dublin as minister of Carlow. There had at one time
been a Presbyterian congregation in that place, but it had
become extinct about seventy years before. Under the
young minister the newly-established chui*ch enjoyed great
prosperity. When at Carlow, Mr. Morgan became acquainted
with a goodly number of the most devoted of the clergy of
the Established Church, and with them he enjoyed much
pleasant and profitable fellowship. He took an interest in
the great evangelical movements of the day, and did much
to promote the progress of the Bible Society. At that time
he also became acquainted with Dr. Doyle — the famous J.
K. L., the Roman Catholic Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin
■ — for whose character he ever afterwards entertained a
sincere respect. About four years after his settlement at
Carlow, Mr. Morgan removed to Lisburn, where he was
installed on the 23rd of June, 1824. His ministry there
j^roduced a great impression. As a preacher he was singularly
popular. His voice was excellent ; his manner was grave
and dignified ; his expositions of Scripture were simple and
j^ractical ; and all his addresses from the pulpit were
remarkable for their evangelical unction. After remaining
somewhat more than four years in Lisburn, he was removed
to Belfast, where he was installed as minister of the newly-
erected congregation of Pisherwick Place on the 4th of
November, 1828. The capital of Ulster did not then con-
tain the one-fourth part of its present population, and
among all classes there was much indifference in regard to
religion. The settlement of Mr. Morgan in it marks an era
in its spii'itual history. He declined to attend merely
fashionable parties, where the evening was to be spent in
card-playing or dancing. He gave all to understand that he
was a minister of God ; and that if they did not wish for his
BIOGBAPHICAL NOTICES. 265
services in that capacity, they must dispense with his
presence. Society, where his influence extended, began to
assume a new tone ; and wherever he spent an evening the
conversation was good to the use of edifying, and religious
exercises were never neglected. The large church of Fisher-
wick Place was soon filled by a congregation of attentive and
devout worshippers. At that period the duty of spreading
the Gospel had been greatly overlooked, and Mr. Morgan's
first appeal to the congregation of Fisherwick Place, on
behalf of the Home Mission of the Synod of Ulster, only
elicited a contribution of £5. The Temperance movement
originated the year after he became an inhabitant of Belfast ;
he joined ardently with Dr. Edgar in the cause ; and he was
one of the first subscribers to the Temperance Pledge.
About the same time the Arians separated from the Synod
of Ulster ; a monthly magazine called The Orthodox Presby-
terian was started in support of those adhering to the West-
minster Standards ; and Mr. Morgan long acted as the editor
of this pvxblication. The project of a union between the
Secession Synod and the Synod of Ulster had Mr. Morgan's
most cordial approval, and its consummation filled him with
the highest satisfaction. The union was auspiciously
inaugurated by the establishment of the Foreign Mission of
the General Assembly. Mr. Morgan was appointed Secretary
or Convener of the Committee in charge of this new enter-
prise. It was then considered by many a very bold under-
taking when the United Church pledged itself to support two
missionaries to the heathen ; but from the first the congrega-
tion of Fisherwick Place entered heartily into the scheme, and
stimulated many others to generosity by its large contribu-
tions. The number of missionaries was gradually increased ;
a large bequest from Mrs. Magee, of Dublin, rendered im-
portant sei-vice ; and the Foreign Mission prospered greatly.
Shortly after the union, the establishment of a Presbyterian
College began to occupy the attention of the Church ; and
the minister of Fisherwick Place did perhaps more than any
other single individual to raise the funds required for the
erection of Assembly's College, Belfast. About this time he
received the degree of D.D. from the University of Glasgow.
Dr. Morgan acted systematically in all his proceedings ; and
thus it was that, with apparent ease, he could accomplish so
much. When he acted as Moderator of the Assembly in
1846 the annual meeting of the supreme court of the Church
266 BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES.
■was the shortest on record; for with admirable tact he
managed to repress useless speechifying; the whole business
was well done; but every one was kept to the point im-
mediately under discussion, and no time was wasted. Dr.
Morgan has left behind him various important publications.
Among these may be mentioned his treatise on the Lord's
Supper, his work on the Holy Spirit, and his exposition of
the 1st Epistle of John. He possessed a truly catholic
spirit, and cultivated a good understanding with ministers of
other denominations. His constitution was never robust ;
and after a lingering illness, during which he enjoyed
abundantly the peace of God, he died on the 5th of August,
1873, in the 75th year of his age.
THE EEV. HENRY COOKE, D.D., LL.D.
De. Cooke was born in a cottage near Maghera on the
11th of May, 1788. As he grew up he enjoyed no superior
advantages in the way of education. When a mere boy he
entered G-lasgow College ; but, partly owing to his youth,
and partly to his want of sufficient preparation, he was not
specially distinguished as a student either in literature or
science. It was not until nearly the close of his career at
the Scottish University that some of the professors discovered
indications of those extraordinary powers which afterwards
attracted so much attention. When still very young he was
ordained as assistant to the Rev. Robert Scott, the aged
minister of Duncan, on the 10th of JSTovember, 1808. This
appointment supplied him with a very slender maintenance
— amounting, we believe, to about <£30 per annum — and on
the 13th of November, 1810, he resigned the situation. For
a short time afterwards he resided as tutor in the family of
the late Alexander Brown, Esq., of Kells, near Ballymena.
During his residence there he greatly signalised himself by
the ability he displayed when unexpectedly required to
officiate on a Sacramental Sabbath. The congregation of
Connor, to which Mr. Brown belonged, is, as many of our
readers are aware, one of the largest in connection with the
Presbyterian Church in Ireland. It then reckoned a thousand
families, and the services on communion occasions were quite
sufficient to task the energies of two or three ministers. At
such times the Rev. Henry Henry, the worthy pastor, had
usually two assistants. It so happened, however, that one
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 267
of his helpers failed him ; and when about to enter the pulpit
on the morning of the Sacramental day, he received an
intimation to the effect that the other, in consequence of an
accident, was unable to attend. To add to the perplexity,
when Mr. Henry had gone through the preparatory exercises,
and when he was addressing the first table, he became
unwell, and was, with difficulty, able to finish his addi-ess.
What was now to be done ? Six tables remained ; the
services of each commonly occupied half an hour ; and even
the presiding minister was laid aside. In this emergency
the elders bethought themselves of the young preacher who
was residing in the family of Mr. Brown, and who happened
to be present. Mr. Cooke at once responded to their appli-
cation for aid ; and, greatly to the satisfaction of all who
heard him, conducted all the rest of the service. He
delivered six consecutive table addresses, equally varied and
appropriate, to the astonishment and delight of his auditors.
Shortly after his resignation of Dunean, Mr. Cooke received
a call from the highly respectable congregation of Donegore,
where he was installed as pastor on the 22nd of January,
1811. His fame now rapidly increased ; he began to attract
notice at the annual meetings of the Synod of Ulster ; and
his services were occasionally solicited, even by congregations
in Belfast, on public occasions. When in Donegore he was
permitted for some time to attend the University of Dublin,
where he applied himself specially to the study of medicine.
At this period he was in the habit of travelling every Satur-
day to Carlow, and of preaching on the Lord's day to a
congregation recently collected in that place. Mr. Cooke
was minister of Donegore upwards of seven years. He then
removed to Killyleagh, where he was inducted into the
pastoral charge on the 8th of September, 1818. Though in
his thii'd congregation he was still only thirty years of age.
About this period he became acquainted with a gentleman
from whose intercourse he derived much benefit, and whose
rame should be mentioned with reverence by all leal- hearted
members of the Presbyterian Church to the latest genera-
tions. Captain Sidney Hamilton Rowan, a scion of the
noble house of Clandeboye and Clanbrassil, was then a
member of the Killyleagh congregation, in which he acted as
an elder with exemplary faithfulness. He exercised the
happiest influence over the mind of the young minister. Mr.
Cooke had, indeed, before professed the doctrines of the
268 BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES.
Westminster Confession of Faith ; but his principles were
not matured ; and he had not hitherto been known as a
champion of Orthodoxy, A sermon which he published
when in Donegore is tainted with the spirit of the prevailing
moderatism. On his settlement in Killyleagh he applied
himself earnestly to the study of the system of evangelical
truth, and in 1821 appeared publicly as the assailant of
Arianism. The Unitarians of England had become so con-
fident that they employed one of their ministers, named
Smithurst, to propagate their principles in the North of
Ireland. When visiting Ulster their missionary did not
overlook Killyleagh, as it was understood there were some
who might be expected to sympathise with him in that neigh-
bourhood. Mr. Cooke and his elder were present at the
service ; and, at the close, Captain Rowan stood up and said
to the stranger, " These are not the doctrines our minister
teaches, and here he is." Mr. Smithurst professed his
readiness to enter forthwith into discussion ; but Mr. Cooke,
not yet much practised in debate, and in the presence of an
adversary who came armed at all points, deemed it prudent
to use a little caution. He said that as Mr. Smithurst had
chosen his own time and manner of procedure, he would do
the same — that he would, on an early day, before his own
congregation, refute the statements advanced ; and then,
should the stranger wish to reply, he would be prepared to
meet him in discussion. About thisjieriod Mr. Cooke is said
to have shut himself up day after day in his own meeting-
house, as the most retired place to which he could resort, and
to have studied with intense care the great doctrine of which
he was henceforth to be so distinguished an advocate. In
due time he more than fulfilled the pledge he had given to
the Unitarian apostle. After having vindicated the Deity of
Christ in his own pulpit, he followed Mr. Smithurst to
Downpatrick, Saintfield, and other towns adjacent, whei'e he
replied to the discourses of the missionary in the hearing of
large and attentive audiences. Discovering that he had an
antagonist with whom he could not grapple, the Englishman
soon found it expedient to return to his own country."
About this time the influence of the Arian party began to
preponderate in the management of the Belfast Academical
Institution. The election of the late Eev. William Bruce to
the Professorship of Greek created much dissatisfaction ; and
soon afterwards the Arian controversy fairly commenced in
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 269
the Synod of Ulster. Mi'. Cooke was at once recognised as
the leader of the Orthodox majority, and the discussions at
the annual Synodical meetings awakened intense interest all
over the province. The champion of Trinitarianism had to
contend against no common antagonists, as the late Dr.
Montgomery of Dunmurry, one of the most brilliant speakers
of his day, backed by a considerable number of able sup-
portei's, formed the opposition. The exertions of Mr. Cooke
at this time were prodigious. Whilst leading his party with
consummate ability in the Church Courts, he was obliged to
repel many assaults made on him in the newspapers. He
encountered his adversaries on the platform, and assailed
their principles in the pulpit. When the struggle was
approaching a crisis, he itinerated throughout many parts of
Ulster ; preached more than once almost daily ; roused
ministers and people to a sense of the importance of the
emergency ; and thus prepai'ed the way for the victory which
he soon afterwards achieved. The announcement of his
appearance in any locality was sure to attract a large
audience. His magnificent voice, his noble elocution, his
stirring eloquence, and his masterly expositions of his great
theme produced an immense impression. The people felt
that the Calvinism which they loved was illustrated by the
genius of a true orator, and they hung with admiration on
his lips. Immediately after the separation of the Arian
party from the Synod of Ulster in 1829, Mr. Cooke removed
from Killyleagh to Belfast, where he ministered neai-ly forty
years. For a large portion of this period he conducted three
services every Lord's day in May Street Church. We have
heard it stated, on excellent authority, that on his first settle-
ment in the capital of Ulster, the Sabbath collections, con-
sisting almost exclusively of halfpence, amounted to d£10
daily. All strangers who visited Belfast were sure to repair
to May Street to hear the great Presbyterian preacher ; and,
until old age began to impair his energies, his popularity
remained unabated. Even in his declining years the " old
man eloquent " often electrified his audience by flashes of his
youthful fire. About the time of his settlement in Belfast,
Mr. Cooke received the degree of D.D. from Jefferson College,
United States. Trinity College, Dublin, subsequently be-
stowed upon him the degree of LL.D. In 1824 he was
Moderator of the Synod of Ulster. In 1841, the year after
its formation, he was unanimously elected Moderator of the
270 BIOGKAPHICAL NOTICES.
General Assembly. In 1862 he was re-elected. In 1847 he
was chosen Professor of Sacred Rhetoric and Catechetics in
the Assembly's College, Belfast. In 1846 he was appointed
by Her Majesty's Government Distributor of the Recjium
Donum for the Synod of Ulster. He held this office till his
death. Dr. Cooke has left behind him little that will give
posterity a true idea of his extraordinary powers, for he may
be pronounced one of the most gifted of Irishmen. The
Irish Presbyterian Church has possessed men of more
extensive learning ; but she never, perhaps, had a minister of
such rare genius. His name will live in the history of this
country ; and, on one memorable occasion, he attracted the
attention of the whole empire by the intrepidity with which
he rolled back the tide of the Repeal agitation. When the
late Daniel O'Connell appeared in Belfast to prosecute his
favourite scheme, Dr. Cooke challenged hiin to discuss
publicly the merits of the question ; and when the great
demagogue shrunk from the encounter, he exposed himself
to intolerable derision. O'Connell soon found that the
atmosphere of the North did not suit him ; and the hero of
so many monster meetings, who could wield at will the fierce
democracy in Leinster, Connaught, and Munster, was obliged
to take his departure from Belfast under the protection of a
strong escort of police and military. On another occasion,
when the late Rev. Dr. Ritchie of Edinburgh came to Belfast
to prosecute the agitation of the Voluntary question, and
when, supported by a number of Irish brethren who held his
views, he met Dr. Cooke in a public discussion, the May
Street minister single-handed was^more than a match for all
his antagonists. It is well known that, before the challenge
was accepted, he had made no special preparation for the
debate ; but, with the help of one or two literary friends, he
speedily marshalled his materials ; and such was the
versatility of his talent, and so wonderful the quickness of
his apprehension, that he appeared on the arena as if armed
at all points. It was on emergencies of this kind that his
powers appeared to peculiar advantage, for his most brilliant
speeches were purely extempore. At such times wit and
irony, logic and declamation, imagination and passion, were
called simultaneously into play, and their combined effect
was irresistible. In 1829, when the late Dr. Montgomery
attacked him in a carefully prepared speech of three hours'
duration, Dr. Cooke replied impromptu. JPor two hours his
BIOGKAPHICAL NOTICES. 271
auditors listened to an outpouring of eloquence such as they
had never heard before. Their enthusiasm rose as he
advanced ; they at length found it totally impossible to
repress their feelings ; and, towai'ds the close, he was
frequently interrupted by thunders of applause. On that
decisive day Arianism received its death-blow in the supreme
court of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. The Irish
Presbyterian Church is specially bound to honour the
memory of Dr. Cooke. To him, under God, it has been
mainly indebted for its deliverance from the incubus of
Unitarianism. His life was devoted to the service of his
Church, and in labours he was most abundant. His assiduity
in attending Church Courts was very exemplary. Until he
was bowed down by the infirmities of old age, he was to be
seen early and late in his place in the Presbytery, the Synod,
and the Assembly. His interest in the business never seemed
to flag ; and, in cases of ditficulty, his brethren were often
greatly indebted to him for sound advice. After an illness
of several months' duration, he died on Sabbath, the 13th of
December, 1868, in the eighty-first year of his age, and the
sixty-first of his ministry. His remains were honoured by a
jiublic funeral. All classes and denominations joined in the
demonstration of respect. His statue, standing in front of
the Rojal Academical Institution, is a life-like likeness of
this great orator.
WILLIAM KIKK, ESQ.
Me. Kirk was a native of Larue, in the County of Antrim.
He was trained to the linen business by his maternal uncles,
the Messrs. Millar, who carried on that branch of trade very
extensively in the neighbourhood of Ballymena. His uncle,
Captain William Millar, was a Justice of the Peace for the
County Antrim, and possessed considerable landed proj)erty
at a place called the Ross, not far from the village of Connor.
At an early period of life Mr. Kirk removed to Armagh,
where he acted for some time as agent for one of the Belfast
banks. He subsequently settled at Keady, where he long
most successfully carried on the linen business. Some years
before his death he purchased the Keady estate, compris-
ing about eleven thousand acres. This estate is in a highly
improved condition. Some of the finest machinery in Ireland
is erected on it. The post town of Keady has grown, within
272 BIOGEAPHICAL NOTICES.
the last fifty or sixty years, from a poor village into a place
of considerable size, with a thriving population. It was a
pleasant sight to see Mr. Kirk on the Lord's day sitting in
the Keady Presbyterian Church, like a i^atriarch, in the
midst of his tenantry. In many other parts of Ulster the
landlord frequents one place of worship and the tenantry
another ; but here the lord of the soil was not the less honoured
because he met for worship with the farmers and cottiers
on his estate. Mr. Kirk long acted as a Justice of the
Peace, and a member of the Grand Jury of the County
Armagh. He was also a Deputy-Lieutenant of the County.
In 1868 he was returned a third time as M.P. for Newry.
When he previously represented the borough he was univer-
sally regarded as one of the most able and intelligent of the
members for Ireland.
JOHN GETTY, ESQ., BEECHPAP.K, BELFAST.
Laene holds a distinguished place in the history of the
Irish Presbyterian Church. From an early period it has
enjoyed the services of eminent ministers ; and some of the
best lay friends of Presbytery have been found in its neigh-
bourhood. The Shaws of Ballygally, whose grand old castle
may still be seen by the traveller as be passes to Glenarm,
once ranked amongst its most steadfast supporters. The
Agnews of Kilwaughter Castle, in former days, wei*e also
attached to its communion. The late William Kirk, Esq. —
so long M.P. for Newry, and so well known for his services
to the Church of his fathers — was a native of Larne. Sir
Edward Coey — now a household name among the Presby-
terians of Down and Antrim — was born in the same locality.
During the year 1874 the Irish Presbyterian Church was
reminded in another way how much slie owes to Larne.
Mr. John Getty, who died in April, 1874, was born there.
One of his ancestors was a minister of Larne ; and to the last
Mr. Getty cherished a strong attachment to the place of his
nativity. For many years he carried on business in Belfast ;
he was universally respected as a merchant ; and he at
length acquired a considerable fortune. In early life he had
been brought under deep religious impressions ; and through-
out a long career he sustained the character of an humble
and consistent Christian. As he had no family — for he
never married — his household wants were easily supplied ;
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 273
and for many years he was in the habit of devoting the
large i-esidue of his annual income to benevolent and religious
objects. His liberality was soon widely known ; and very
many were the applications for assistance he received from
all quarters. Every good cause was sure to receive supjjort
from him. When he thought the claim deserved it, he did
not hesitate to give d£500 in a single donation. He was
always well supplied with <£5 and d810 notes ; and he
evidently took special pleasure in their distribution. His
brother Robert — who was his partner in business, and who
died unmarried several years before him — was a man of a
kindred spirit. Both devoted their substance to the advance-
ment of religion. Any one who looked into the countenance
of the late Mr. John Gretty might discover an illustration of the
truth of the statement of Scripture that wisdom's ways are
ways of pleasantness, and that all her paths are paths of
peace. Though living almost in solitude, he was a cheerful
and happy man. He had realised the comforts of religion.
He will be known in all time to come as one of the largest
benefactors of Irish Presbyterianism. By his will he
bequeathed property in pei-petuity worth d£3,000 per annum
to the General Assembly — chiefly for missionary purposes.
He died at his residence at Beechpark, after an illness of some
continuance, in the 78th year of his age.
JAMES KENNEDY, ESQ., J.P.
On the 12th of September, 1878, James Kennedy, Esq., of
Eosetta, near Belfast, finished his mortal career. He had fur
many years held the commission of the peace for the two
counties of Down and Antrim ; and had long been well known
as one of the most enterprising, intelligent, and prosperous
citizens of the capital of Ulster. He had been brought up
under the pastoral care of the late Dr. Hanna, of Rosemary
Street Presbyterian Church ; and in his later years he took
pleasure in recounting the number of useful and distinguished
fellow-citizens who in youth had enjoyed the pastoral in-
structions of that eminently evangelical minister. Mr.
Kennedy was subsequently a member of May Street Presby-
terian Church ; and, though differing in political views from
its gifted pastor, he greatly admired Dr. Cooke, because of
his genius, his eloquence, his benevolence, and his Christian
chivalry. In his declining years Mr. Kennedy was connected
274 BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES.
with the Presbyterian congregation of Newtownbreda. In
the Assembly's College, Belfast, of which he was a trustee,
he always evinced the deepest interest. He may be consi-
dered as the founder of the Students' Chambers ; he again
and again made contributions to the College Library ; and
the curious Japanese bell — with the tones of which the stu-
dents are so familiar — is his gift. Mr. Kennedy was strongly
attached, by intelligent conviction, to the doctrine and polity
of the Presbyterian Church ; and, when in company with
persons of other denominations he found it necessary to repel
attacks made upon it ; he could defend it with singular tact,
good temper, and ability. At the time of his death Mr.
Kennedy had approached the mature age of three score and
ten.
WILLIAM M'COMB, ESQ.
Mr. M'Comb was born at Coleraine on the 17th of August,
1793. His father was engaged in business in Londonderry,
and as he had frequently occasion to visit the capital of
Ulster in the way of trade, he became acquainted with Mr.
Thomas O'Neill, a well-known Belfast merchant, who had a
wholesale warehouse in Donegall Street. His son William
was apprenticed to this gentleman ; and he thus formed an
intimacy with Sinclare Eamsey, a youth of kindred spirit,
who was being trained in the same establishment. At this
period infidel principles were propagated with zeal in the
North of Ireland, and the disciples of Thorn Paine had set
up a school in Smithfield, where they disseminated their
pernicious doctrines. The two young apprentices had the
Christian courage to attempt to counteract this movement,
and for some time conducted a Sabbath-school in the same
locality. This was one of the earliest Sabbath- schools
established in Belfast. Mr. M'Comb had a taste for teaching,
and for years he conducted with great success the Brown
Street Daily School. He took a deep interest in the Arian
controversy, and with the view of giving increased circulation
to a sound religious literature, he commenced his career in
High Street, Belfast, in 1828, as a bookseller and publisher.
Shortly afterwards a monthly periodical, under the title of
" The Orthodox Presbyterian," was started by the leaders of
the Synod of Ulster, for the purpose of expounding their
views, and of defending themselves against the assaults of
the Unitarians. The original editors were Dr. James Seaton
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 275
Eeid, the Historian of the Irish Presbyterian Church ; Dr.
Cooke, and Dr. Morgan ; but its management devolved
chiefly on the minister of Fisherwick Place. Mr. M'Comb
was the publisher ; and, at a most critical period in the
history of Irish Presbyterianism, this magazine rendered
efficient service to the Orthodox cause. At a later period the
subject of this notice commenced the Presbyterian Almanac,*
with which his name is still associated. Mr. M'Comb
cherished an enthusiastic admiration of Dr. Cooke, to whom
he had a considerable resemblance in personal appearance ;
and in June, 1842, when the great Presbyterian leader —
then the Moderator of the General Assembly — repaired to
Carrickfergus to celebrate the bi-centenary of the erection of
the first Irish Presbytery in that classic town, he was
accompanied by the poet-laureate of the Church, On that
occasion Mr. M'Comb was stirred up to compose one of the
happiest of his metrical productions. f This bi-centenary
poem called forth the special applause of Dr. Chalmers. At
a much earlier date Mr. M'Comb had signalised himself in
this department of literature. His " Dirge of O'Neill "
appeared in 1817, and his " School of the Sabbath " in 1822.
A few months previous to his retiring from business in
1864, he published, in a handsome volume, a complete
edition of his poems. Some of them are very tender ; some
exhibit a fine appreciation of the beauties of nature ; and all
are evidently the production of a devout spirit. He took an
active interest in the education of the dumb, the deaf, and
the blind; and when an institution for their benefit was
about to be established in Belfast, he wrote some beautiful
verses, which awakened much public sympathy in favour of
the movement. He was an ardent lover of flowers, and spent
many pleasant hours in his garden attending to their cultiva-
tion. He died at his residence in Colin View Terrace,
Belfast, in the eightieth year of his age, on the 13th of
September, 1873. He left behind him a widow and an only
daughter.
* The first issue was for the year 1840,
t "Two Hundred Years Ago."
276 BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES.
THE EEV. WILLIAM M'CLUEE, DEEEY.
This well-beloved and distinguislied minister, wlio closed
Lis mortal course on tlie 22nd February, 1874, was the son
of William M'Clure, Esq., a highly respectable Belfast
merchant. His mother was the daughter of the Eev. John
Thomson, of Carnmoney, a man who in his day was one of
the leading members of the Synod of Ulster. Until the
year 1825, the Synod had no printed code of discipline ; but
Mr. Thomson was thoroughly acquainted with Church law ;
and, in cases of difficulty, his decision as to the course of
7>rocedure commanded general deference. Mr. M'Clure was
licensed to preach the gospel by the Presbytery of Ballymena ;
and in 1825 he was ordained as one of the pastors of the
Presbyterian Church of Derry, and as colleague to the Eev.
George Hay. He had a very pleasing voice, and excellent
delivery ; and his discourses exhibited a pure taste and an
evangelical spirit. He soon became known all over the
church as a most kind-hearted, zealous, and upright minister.
He was the very soul of hospitality, and a fine specimen of
a Christian gentleman. For nearly thirty years he acted as
Convener of the Colonial Mission of the General Assembly.
To the young ministers who emigrated to the Colonies, he
acted the part of a father ; and his memory will be long
cherished by many who are now settled at the ends of the
earth. In the city of Deny he possessed much social influ-
ence. He was one of the authors of the " Plea of Presby-
tery ;" and in 1847 he was chosen unanimously to the office of
Moderator of the General Assembly. At the time of his
death he was nearly 73 years of age. Sir Thomas M'Clure,
Bart., of Belmont, Belfast, is his only surviving brother.
SYDNEY HAMILTON EOWAN, ESQ.
Captain Eowan was bom in 1789. He was the son of
Archibald Hamilton Eowan, Esq., who was the lord of the
manor of Killyleagh, and who was connected with the noble
houses of Dufferin, Bangor, and Eoden. Mr. A. H. Eowan,
though a nominal Presbyterian, held Unitarian views, and
was implicated in the treasonable proceedings connected
with the rebellion of 1798. His son in early life joined the
army ; and it was when in England on military duty that he
was bi'ought under deep i*eligious impressions. After some
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 277
time lie gave up the life of an officer, and settled at Killy-
leagh. His eminent piety soon attracted attention, and he
was chosen a ruling elder. He was in this position, when
Mr. (afterwards Dr.) Cooke was chosen minister of the
congregation ; and his influence with the young pastor soon
led to most important results. He had much to do with the
commencement of the controversy which terminated in the
removal of the Arian party from the Synod of Ulster. At a
later period of his life he removed to Downpatrick, and he
was mainly instrumental in establishing there the present
congregation connected with the General Assembly. He
was one of the first elders of the new congregation.
He died at Downpatrick on Sabbath evening, the 14th
of November, 1847, in the 58th year of his age. Di*.
Cooke delivered the funeral address, of which the following
is an extract : — " He was one whose examj)le recom-
mended the religion he professed. In him the rich and
the poor, the learned and the ignorant — the young in
their joyousness, and the aged in their sorrows — in him
each read that religion was a reality. The example mani-
fested itself especially in plans and works of benevolence.
His was not a religion of many words. It lay more in the
deep thoughts, the fixed purposes, the sympathetic feelings,
and the untiring energies of well-doing. His heart was a
heart of love. He sought and seized every opportunity of
doing good. For the erection of schoolhouses and the
organization of Sabbath and Daily Schools, his best exertions
were put forth. jSTor can I overlook his invaluable contribu-
tions to our schools and families in his admirable edition of
the Shorter Catechism ; a work which, however simple (for
everything truly Scriptural is simple), will remain a monu-
ment of his profound knowledge of evangelical principles,
and of his successful efforts for their propagation. Let me
turn your attention to a kindred view of the character of our
departed brother — his zeal and liberality in the cause of
Christian missions. He was the founder of our Home
Mission, which originated in the Synod of Ulster, and from
which, as from a root which the Lord has blessed, has sprung
up our Foreign Missions to the heathen and the Jews. Our
Church Extension cause has also been deeply indebted to
him — nor would it be difficult to point to several of our most
hopeful settlements that, under divine providence, owe their
existence entirely to his zeal and labours. When we think
278 BIOGEAPHICAL NOTICES,
of his memory our soitow must be mingled with joy — with
sorrow because he is gone, but with joy for the graces with
which God had endowed him, and the blessed and abiding
work which he was called and enabled to effect. And the
power by which, under God, all these things were done was
the power of humble, unostentatious, ardent piety, which
conducted to self-denial, self-restraint, and self-government :
a piety which looked upon self, till self became as nothing :
a piety which looked upon Christ till Christ became ' all in
all.' One other feature in the character of our departed
brother may not be omitted — his sterling, unswerving, indes-
tructible friendship, of which so many are private witnesses,
and of which a public evidence may be seen in his firm and
unswerving attachment to the Presbyterian Church — the
Church of his Fathers and of his Fatherland. Under repul-
sive agencies from within, and attractive agencies from with-
out, he still adopted the motto of his noble ancestor,* ' I
adhere to the Presbyterians.' We undervalue not the
excellencies of any faithful Protestant Church ; we heartily
wish them all ' God speed ;' but we glory in the memory
of the man who laboured, prayed, and wrote for the purity
and efficiency of our Zion."
WILLIAM TODD, ESQ., OF RATHGAE.
This gentleman died on the 12th September, 1881, at the
advanced age of seventy-nine. He was a Scotchman by
birth, but he was long resident in Ireland, and, as a mer-
chant in Dublin, he acquired an ample fortune. Strongly
attached to the Presbyterian Church, he contributed to its
various schemes with princely generosity. The Assembly's
College, Belfast, of which he was a trustee from the time of
its erection, had a large share in his benefactions. Very
recently he was one of the five contributors who gave .£1,000
each to its Professorial Endowment Fund. The Magee
College, Londonderry, also received from him a number of
most generous gifts. For about forty years he acted as an
elder of the Presbyterian Church, Adelaide Eoad, Dublin ;
and, notwithstanding his advanced age, he continued to a
comparatively late date to attend regularly the weekly prayer
meeting, as well as the noon-day and evening diets for wor-
ship on the Lord's Day. He died full of faith and hope.
* The first Lord Clandeboye.
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 279
Immediately before he ceased to breathe, his face became
suddenly lit up as with heavenly radiance, and his eyes
seemed to be gazing with delight on the opening glories of
the better land.
MISS HAMILTON, OF MOUNT VEENOK
The Irish Presbyterian Church has been adorned by many
" honourable women," but it has seldom possessed so fine a
specimen of female excellence as that presented by the late
Miss Elizabeth Hamilton, of Mount Vernon, near Belfast.
Though of the most gentle and unobtrusive disposition, the
light of her piety could not remain concealed ; and for upwards
of thirty years she was known all over the North of Ireland as
one of the most generous supporters of every Christian enter-
prise. She used to say that she would wish to have a stone in
every new place of worship, and every new manse erected by the
Assembly. She took the deepest interest in all the Missions
of the Church : in the year of famine she exerted herself
much for the relief of the suffering poor in Connaught ; and
she was one of the largest contributors towards the building
of the Assembly's College. Miss Hamilton valued much
the privilege of a gospel ministry ; and was most exemplary
in her attendance on Sabbath ordinances. She stimulated
many to works of benevolence : and her name should be
held in honour by the Irish Presbyterian Church to the
latest generations. She knew from experience that it is " more
blessed to give than to receive," and she never appeared to
be so happy as when performing some act of munificence.
This excellent lady died in peace at Mount Vernon, during
the week of prayer, on the 6th of January, 1869.
JOHN SINCLAIE, ESQ., OF THE GEOVE.
During the year 1856 BeKast lost one of her worthiest and
most distinguished citizens. On the 17th day of January
of that year John Sinclair, Esq., departed this life, aged
47. Mr. Sinclair was a man of few words, but his deeds
were most eloquent. In his native town he introduced a
new scale of giving for the cause of the Gospel. Every one
admitted that he was endowed with superior intellect, and
that he possessed mercantile genius of the highest order, so
280 BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES.
that his large donations at first created much astonishment.
But others at length caught the infection of his generosity,
and not a few began to wonder that they did not sooner see
how pitiful had been their religious contributions. The
Conlig Presbyterian Church was built almost entirely at his
expense. Shortly before his death, Mr. Sinclair, with his
partner, gave the princely subscription of <£1,000 to the
Church and Manse Fund of the General Assembly. It is an
instructive fact, that this bountiful giver was an eminently
prosperous merchant. " The Sinclair Seaman's Church "
will long remain a memorial of the respect in which he was
held by the community ; for never before has Belfast erected
such a noble and costly monument to any of her citizens.
" He being dead yet speaketh ;" and the sight of this edifice
should be a sermon to evei-y merchant who passes along our
quays.
THE EEV. JOHN THOMSON.
The Rev. John Thomson was born at Shilvodan, near Con-
nor, in the county Antrim, on the 2nd Januaiy, 1741. He
was educated at the University of Glasgow, where he en-
tered the Logic class in 1760. He matriculated in 1761, and
his name is thus entered in the Register of the University
in his own hand writing.
"Johannes Thomson, filius natu secundus Caroli, Mercatoris in
Comitatu de Antrim in Hibernia."
During this session he was a student of the Moral Philosophy
class under the celebrated Adam Smith. He was licensed to
preach the gospel by the Presbytery of Ballymena, and
ordained as minister of Carnmoney, near Belfast, on the
10th of March, 1767, as successor to his uncle, also named
John Thomson. He thus was placed at an early period of
life in charge of one of the largest congregations in con-
nexion with the General Synod of Ulster. In the discharge
of his ministry he was distinguished by diligence and faith-
fulness. Never resting contented with the superficial perfor-
mance of any duty, it was his great aim that everything
should be done systematically and in the best and most
efiicient manner. His theology was the theology of the
Reformation, and of the Westminster Confession of Faith.
He expounded the doctrines and enforced the truths of the
gospel, with a power and clearness that could not fail to
BIOGKAPHICAL NOTICES. 281
command the attention, and enlighten the understanding.
At a time when latitudinarian views were somewhat fashion-
able, and orthodoxy of sentiment was regarded in many-
quarters with coldness and contempt, he became, if possible,
more decided and uncompromising than ever, in upholding
the truth. He always firmly held, and boldly proclaimed
the whole counsel of God. His preaching was at the same
time eminently practical. He was careful to shew that
Christianity did not consist in cold and barren orthodoxy,
but in real spiritual life — the result of living faith in the
Son of God. Much as he excelled as a preacher, he did not
fail in the other departments of the ministry. No man was
better fitted than he to guide the serious inquirer, to comfort
the mourner, to reprove, rebuke, and exhort with all long-
suffering and doctrine. Under his superintendence the
system of the Presbyterian Church was fully carried out in
the parish of Carnmoney. The congregation was divided
into districts, over each of which an elder was placed, and
the session were accustomed to hold frequent meetings, to
consider the religious and spiritual condition of the people.
Public baptism was never discontinued as in other places,
and banns were proclaimed previous to the celebration of
marriage. In addition to his pastoral visitations from house
to house, Mr. Thomson was in the habit of assembling the
members of his flock, in their respective districts, for special
religious instruction. The writer of this can never forget
some occasions of this kind, when in childhood he was per-
mitted to be present. These scenes were deeply interesting.
The people, old and young, rich and poor, often met under
an humble roof. Their venerable pastor was received with
every token of respect : at his approach their countenances
filled with delight — in their hearts they welcomed him.
After the offering of praise and prayer, and the reading of a
portion of God's Word, the examination proceeded ; and not
the young merely, but all, of every age, were expected to
answer. The Shorter Catechism — that admirable compend
of theology — formed the basis of instruction. Thus were
the doctrines of the gospel deeply and clearly imjiressed
upon the mind. Thus did the faithful pastor take heed to
all the flock committed to his care — thus did he warn every
man, and teach eveiy man, in all wisdom, that he might pre-
sent every man perfect in Christ Jesus. Mr. Thomson took
a very active part in the public affairs of the Church. He
282 BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES.
had studied witli deep attention its constitution and laws,
and -was regarded as a high authority in all questions and
cases of difficulty. In such cases he was almost always ap-
pealed to for his opinion, and that opinion seldom failed to
decide the finding of the body. At the request of the
General Synod of Ulster, he drew up and published an ab-
stract of its laws and previous decisions, from its earliest
records to the year 1800. He consequently held a very
conspicuous place in the courts of the Church, especially in
the Synod, where his addresses were always heard with the
utmost attention and respect. For several years previous to
his death, he had been senior member, or father of that
reverend body. As a member of Church courts, he was
eminently distinguished for the correctness of his views, the
uprightness of his conduct, his unwillingness to swerve in the
smallest degree from what he knew to be right, and his de-
termination to enforce, without respect of persons, the most
strict and rigid discipline. The training of candidates for
the ministry, was a subject to which he directed much of his
attention ; and into all the arrangements that were calculated
to promote their instruction, and prepare them for future
usefulness, he entered with paternal solicitude. Though he
had himself been a student of Glasgow college, and naturally
attached to that ancient and honoured seminary of learning,
he was one of the first to appreciate and advocate the im-
portance of home education. His interest in the progress
and training of the students of the Church, was manifested
to the last by his invariable attendance on the public exami-
nations, at the close of each collegiate session, at the Belfast
Institution ; and by the anxiety he evinced for the establish-
ment of a theological faculty. At one its annual meetings
in the beginning of this century, the Synod of Ulster
appointed four of its ministers to take steps for the
circulation of Bibles and Testaments among the people.
Mr. Thomson was one of that number. This circum-
stance deserves to be noticed, not merely on account of
the confidence reposed in the zeal and activity of these
brethren, but because it is an evidence of the early interest
taken by the Presbyterian Churches in Ireland, in the dis-
semination of the Scriptures, and proves that they had
directed their energies to this all-important work. This
Committee was subsequently dissolved in consequence of the
formation of the Hibernian Bible Society and its branches
BIOGBAPHICAL NOTICES. 283
in the North. Towards the close of his ministry he removed
to Belfast, and became one of the guardians of several reli-
gious and benevolent institutions in that town. Mr. Thom-
son's services were invaluable. Economical in the application
of public funds, yet most anxious to relieve the destitute and
distressed, he guarded against every species of useless ex-
penditure, with zeal, which never wearied, and circumspection
which never relaxed. His marriage with Jane, eldest
daughter of the Rev, William Laird, second minister of
the congregation of Rosemary Sti'eet, Belfast, took place in
November, 1770. His private life and character gave weight
to his public instructions. His deportment was calm and
dignified, yet kind and thoughtful. As a Christian bishop
he was given to hospitality. Habitually cheerful and lively,
delighting in the society of his relatives and literary friends,
he rendered his domestic circle ever attractive and happy.
Though firm and decided in his public conduct, no sternness
marked his private walk and conversation. All unnecessary
restraint was removed by the benignity and suavity of his
manners. A kind husband, an affectionate parent, a steady
friend, a faithful pastor, an undaunted witness for the faith
as it is in Jesus — his whole life evinced the transforming in-
fluence of the gospel. Believing in Christ — rejoicing in
Him as all his salvation, and all his desire, he calmly passed
away, with a hope full of immortality, on the 23rd March,
1828, having entered on the sixty-second year of his ministry,
and eighty- seventh of his life. He was interred in the
parochial burying-ground of Carnmoney, and a simple monu-
ment now marks his resting-place. His funeral was attended
by upwards of forty clergymen of various religious denomi-
nations. One sentiment of profound respect for the
character of this venerable man pervaded the assembled multi-
tude ; and his remains were consigned to the tomb, amidst
demonstrations of public respect and tears of private and
personal affection. While he lived he was " an ensample to the
flock." Being dead he is not forgotten. " The memory of
the just is blessed."
THE REV. HENRY JACKSON DOBBIN, D.D.
This distinguished minister died at Ballymena on the
15th of April, 1853. His grandfather, the Rev. Henry
Jackson, who was minister of Banbridge, is said to have been
284 BIOGEAPHICAL NOTICES.
related to General Jackson, President of the United States
of America. His father, the Rev. Hamilton Dobbin, was
minister of Lurgan. Mr. Heniy Jackson Dobbin was
ordained to the pastoral charge of the congregation of Hills-
borough by the Presbytery of Belfast on the 18th September,
1833. He soon distinguished himself in the courts of the
Church by his gentlemanly bearing, his knowledge of the
forms of ecclesiastical procedm*e, and his graceful and fluent
elocution. In 1837 he removed to the congregation of First
Ballymena, where he was installed on the 20th of June in
that year. In 1848 Dr. Dobbin was chosen Moderator of
the General Assembly. He was the youngest minister who
has ever yet occupied that position ; and yet he discharged
its duties with a tact and dignity which elicited universal
admiration. He possessed a fine taste and a highly-
cultivated mind. His library, at his death, consisted of
upwards of 2,000 volumes. Nearly forty ministers, includ-
ing some who had travelled from a great distance, followed
his remains to the grave. The immense concourse of in-
dividuals at his funeral, not a few of whom were in tears,
attested the regard in which he was held by all classes of
the community.
JAMES YOUNG, Esq., BALLYMENA.
In the beginning of the j^resent century, Ballymena, though
now a large and flourishing town, presented a not very
attractive appearance. With three or four exceptions, the
houses were all thatched ; and a steep hill in Church Street,
between the Market-house and Meeting-house Lane, was a
formidable obstacle in the way of the old mail coach, as it
moved forward on its course from Belfast to Londonderry.
The parish church, standing in the middle of the jjresent
graveyard, was frequented by few worshippers ; and the
incumbent, — a quiet gentleman, and, after the fashion of
the times, a Justice of the Peace — was not likely very much
to disturb the thoughts of any of his auditors who might
feel inclined to repose. The Meeting-house — for there was
only one in the town — was a larger building ; but it was in a
state of naked simplicity, as it was without stove, ceiling, or
flooring. An apartment adjoining, in which the elders met,
was used on weekdays as a schoolhouse ; and there a goodly
number of the children of the place received the elements of
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 285
education. The elders connected with the meeting-house
were persons of more or less influence. One of them — Thomas
Dickey — was the agent of the Ballymena estate : another,
William Gihon, J.P., was one of the very few Presbyterian
magistrates then in Ulster ; another, Dr. Patrick, was the
father-in-law of Mr. Brown, one of the merchant princes of
the great American Eepublic ; another John Killen — long
the session clerk — was the father of Dr. Killen, President of
Assembly's College, Belfast ; and another, was William
Young. Mr. Toung was noted for his shrewdness and over-
flowing wit ; and a venerable queue, which adorned his
powdered head, marked him out in the congregation as one of
the leaders of the people. He had four sons, one of whom,
John, died before he had well reached manhood. The other
three — James, William, and Robert — lived to advanced age.
Robert, who recently passed away full of years, and high in
the esteem of all who knew him, became an eminent linen
merchant ; and dispensed an ample fortune with a generous
hand, William — the father of John Toung, Esq., D.L.,
Galgorm Castle — was a skilful physician, who had large
practice throughout the County Antrim. At a more advanced
period of life he was manager of one of the Ballymena
banks. He possessed a vigorous intellect ; he could clothe
his thoughts in most graceful diction ; and, somewhat after
the manner of the late Archbishop Whateley, he delighted,
by putting questions and suggesting difficulties, to test the
logical capacity of those with whom he engaged in conver-
sation. James, who was the senior member of the family,
was of a different temperament. He had few words, and
was disposed to shrink from publicity. It was understood
that the three brothers were in pai'tnership in business.
A stranger might have seen nothing very striking in
his appeai-ance ; but those who knew him well were aware
that he possessed great mercantile ability, and that to
his sagacity and sound judgment the firm was very much
indebted for the high commercial position which it eventu-
ally occupied. In early life James Young was brought under
deep religious impressions. He was a great admirer of the
late Dr. Cooke, the eloquent minister of May Street Church,
Belfast ; and he was wont to say that he had derived from
him his first clear views of the way of salvation. Durino-
the Arian controversy Mr. Young took a decided stand on
the side of orthodoxy ; and he was one of those men who,
286 BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES.
like the late Captain Rowan, of Downpatriek, contributed to
give a tone to public sentiment in the neighbourhoods with
which they were connected. At that period the doctrine of
many people in Ballymena was not well-defined. Dr. Cooke
visited the place during the crisis of the Arian struggle,
preached to a crowed congregation, and thus rendered im-
portant service to the Trinitarian cause. On this occasion
he received a hearty welcome and hospitable entertainment
at the house of Mr. James Young. Mr. Young was one of
the founders of the Wellington Street Congregation of
Ballymena. He saw that the town was greatly in want of
church accommodation. A pew in the old meeting-house
was considered a kind of freehold, and was sometimes sold
at a high price. Many of the people found it impossible to
obtain sittings. But when the formation of a new congre-
gation was proposed, the erection of the building was dreaded
as a most formidable undertaking. Mr. James Young at
once put down his name for .£30 — then deemed an extraordi-
nary contribution ; and afterwards added largely to this
subscription. The new congregation proved to be a great
success ; the E-ev. Alexander Patterson was chosen as the
first minister ; the spacious edifice was soon filled in all its
parts with attentive worshippers ; and Mr. James Young was
chosen by common consent as one of the first elders. He
contributed much, by his social influence and weight of
character, to the prosperity of the congregation. Missions
were then in their infancy ; but from the first he was a
bountiful contributor to their support. His purse was open
for the encouragement of every good design. When he
found that, in the midst of his mercantile engagements, he
could not perform the duties of an elder so efficiently as he
desired, he employed a pious Scripture reader, and paid him
a handsome salary, to visit his district of the congregation.
In the early part of 1847 — the year of famine — Mr. Patter-
son, his minister, fell a victim to the prevailing fever. Mr,
Young, who had been his steady and generous friend,
sincerely deplored his removal. In a few weeks afterwards
he was himself numbered with the dead. He died, as he
had lived, in peace ; and left behind a most fragrant memory.
Long will the people of Ballymena remember the humble
Christian walk, the large-heartedness, and the look of
benevolence which beamed from the countenance of Mr.
James Young. Our readers will be gratified to hear that
BIOGEAPHICAL NOTICES. 287
William Young, Esq., J.P., of Fenaghy, one of the elders
of our Churcli, is the son of the gentleman of whom we
have supplied this brief notice. Mr. William Young is the
author of the paper on " Systematic and Proportionate
Giving as the Secret of Successful Church Finance," which
has obtained such extensive circulation, and rendered such
service to our Sustentation Fimd. Infidels may scofE ; but
no one who respects the statements of Scripture will despise
the blessing of being descended from a godly parent. There
is assuredly truth in the declaration of the Psalmist : " The
children of thy servants shall continue, and their seed shall
be established before thee."
SIGNIFICATION OF NAMES OF PLACES,
COMPILED CHIEFLY FROM DR. JOYCE'S "ORIGIN AND HISTORY
OF IRISH NAMES OF PLACES."
Aghadoey— Duffy's field.
Anaghlone — marsh of the
meadow.
Anahilt— the doe's marsh.
Ardglass— the green height.
Ardstraw — tlie height of (or
near) the river bank.
Armagh — Macha's height.
Armoy — the eastern plain.
Athlone —the ford of Loan. Loan
■was a man's name, formerly
common.
Aughnacloy — the field of the
stone.
Badoney — the tent of the church.
Ballina — the ford mouth of the
wood.
Ballinderry — the town of the
(Jerry or oakwood.
Ballindreat — the town of the
bridge.
Ballinglen — the town of the
glen.
Ballybay — the ford mouth of
the birch.
Ballycarry — the town of the
weir.
Ballycastle — the town of the
castle.
Ballyclare — the town of the
plain.
Ballygowan — the town of the
smiths.
Ballygrainey — the sunny town.
Ballymena the middle town.
Ballymoney- the town of the
shrubbery.
Ballymoate — the town oi the
moat.
Ballynahinch — the town of the
island.
Ballynure— the town of the
yew.
Ballyshannon — the mouth of
Shannagh's ford. Shannagh
or Seanach was a man's name
in common use.
Ballywillan — the town of the
mill.
Belfast — the ford of the sand-
bank, referring to a sandbank
across the mouth of the
Lagan.
Benburb- the proud peak.
Billy — the ancient tree.
Boveva — Maev's hut.
Hrigh- a hill.
Broughshane — the border of
John or Shane.
Carlingford — the fiord or bay of
the deceitful pool, referring to
a whirlpool existing there.
Carlow — the quadruple lake.
There is a tradition that the
Barrow anciently formed four
lakes.
Carrickfergus — Fergus's rock.
Castlebar — Barry's castle.
Castlereagh — the grey castle.
Cavan — a hollow.
Cavanaleck — the hill of the
flagstone.
Clare - a board.
Clogher — stony.
Clones — Eos's meadow.
Clontibret — the meadow of the
spring.
Clough— the stone or stone
building.
Coleraine— the ferny corner. It
is said to have been formerly
covered with ferns.
SIGNIFICATION OF NAMES OF PLACES.
289
Comber — the confluence, or the
place where two rivers meet.
Conlig — the stone of the hounds.
Connor — the oakwood of the
wild dogs.
Convoy — the plain of the
hounds.
Cork— the swampy place.
Corlea — a grey round hill.
Creggan — rocky land.
Crumlin^the curved glen.
Cushendun— the foot of the river
Dun.
Cushendall — the foot of the river
Dall.
Derry — an oakwood.
Donaghadee — the Cliurch of lo.<?3.
Donagheady — the church of
Keedy or Caidoc. Caidoc is
said to have been a companion
of Columbanus.
Donegal — the fortress of the
foreigners.
Donegore — the fortress of the
O'Curras.
Don oughmore — the great church.
It is said that Christian
worship was established at a
very early period at all places
with the prefix Donagh or
Donough.
Douglass — the black stream.
Drogheda— the bridge of the
ford.
Dromore — a great ridge.
Drum — a ridge.
Drumbo —the cow's ridge.
Drumquin — Con's ridge.
Dublin — the black pool.
Dunboe — the fortress of the
cow.
Dundalk — the fort of Delga, a
chieftain who is said to have
built a fortress near this place.
Dundonald — Donall's fortress.
Duneane — the fortress of the two
birds.
Dunfanaghy — Finncha's fort.
Dunsannon — Geanan'd fort.
Dunluce — a strong fort.
Dunmurry- -Murray's fort.
Enniskillen — f'ethleen's island.
Cethleen or Kehlen is said to
have been the wife of a
celebrated pirate chieftain.
Fahan — ^little.
Fannet — the sloping ground.
Fintona — the fair-coloured
field.
Finvoy — the white or bright
plain.
Garvagh — rough land.
Glennan — a little glen.
Glenwherry — the glen of the
cauldron or deep whirlpool.
Granslia — a grange.
Hillsborough — so called from
being the residence of the
Hill's, or Downshire family.
Inch or Inish — an island.
Keady — a hillock.
Killinchy — the Cluirch of the
island.
Letterkenny — the hill-slope ot
the O'Kannanans, a powerful
tribe.
Lisburn — the burned fort.
Loughbrickland — the lake of
Bricrenn, an old Ulster
chieftain.
Lurgan — a long low ridge.
Macosquin — the plain of Cosgran,
a man's name.
Maghera — the little plain.
Monaghan— the little shrubbery.
Moneymore — the great shrub-
bery.
Mountmellick-the boggy land
of the marsh.
Mourn e or Mor-rin- the great
hill.
Moville — the plain of the ancient
tree.
Newry — the yew tree.
Portadown — the landing-place of
the fortress.
Portrush — the landing-place of
the peninsula.
290
SIGNIFICATION OF NAMES OF PLACES.
Ramoan — Modan's fort.
Raphoe — the fort of tlie huts.
Rathfriland — Freelan's rath.
Ray — the fort.
Sion— the fairy mount.
Sligo — the shelly river.
Strabane — the fair or white
river-holm.
Stranorlar— tlie river bank of
the floor.
Tandragee — the backside to the
Avind.
Tobermore — a great well.
TuUamore — a great hill.
TuUy— a little hill.
Tullylish— the hill of the fort.
Turlough— a lake which dries
up in summer.
Urney— the oratory or prayer-
liouse.
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